The subterranean realm is underground everywhere and most of us are
totally oblivious to its existance. In order to know what exists below the
surface of the earth, subsurface exploration of one type or another must be done.
The illustration on the left shows one type of subsurface exploration, test
drilling. During drilling, samples of the earth may be brought to the surface
for us to observe. After enough test drilling has been completed, the structure of the
subsurface can be reconstructed. The borings can then be converted into wells
by installing pipe with slots or holes, or a screen section to permit water to enter.
Then the depth to water can be measured and groundwater samples can be
collected for analysis to investigate flow direction, the composition of the water, and if
it contains contaminants. There are other methods that may be used to explore
the subterranean realm. They include excavation and mining, cavern entry and exploration,
and indirect methods that may involve geophysical techniques.
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