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Geophysics Advisor Expert System
Version 2.0
Summary: This program aids in the sampling and monitoring of hazardous waste sites. It asks questions about the site, cultural noise, and the contamination problem. The program builds upon the user's answers to early questions and poses subsequent questions on this basis. At the end of the run, the program will indicate any inconsistencies in the user's responses. The user may then return to specific questions and consider changing the answer. The program considers several geophysical methods: electromagnetic induction; resistivity; ground-penetrating radar; magnetic; seismic; soil gas; gravity; and radiometric. Geophysics Advisor recommends the type(s) of geophysics that will most likely fit the site requirements for determining the location of contamination and providing site characterization. The program will also tell the user if the use of geophysics is not suitable for the site. A relative numerical ranking of the various methods is shown on screen, indicating the degree of superiority of one method over another. Methods are also categorized as 'recommended,' 'not recommended,' or 'uncertain of effectiveness'. Additionally, the software tells the user why the various methods will or will not work at the site. Geophysics Advisor allows the user to make soft-responses such as 'maybe' and 'don't know' so novice users or those lacking specific knowledge about the site can access some of the power of the program. The user will be asked about soil type, cultural noise, contaminant identity and level, the presence of underground tanks or drums, and the distance between various buried items. If a site is extremely complex, it is recommended that the user divide the site into several subsite problems. The program for each subsite. This version contains a database of the physical and chemical properties of 94 substances selected from EPA's first priority list. The properties in the database were compiled from over 270 peer-reviewed references. In addition to the questions asked in the previous version, the program now presents a list of contaminants from which a selection may be made. Answers to questions in the program regarding the contaminants are automatically entered.