INSTALLING PIEZOMETERS IN DEEP-WATER SEDIMENTS

A new method has been developed for installing piezometers in the sedi ments of deep harbors and lakes, where it has been difficult to measur e hydrogeological parameters and collect pore waters for geochemical a nalyses. Using an underwater hammer operated from the surface, piezome ters have been installed as much as 12 m below the water-sediment inte rface. The piezometer screen is held in place by barbs on the drive he ad and is connected to the water surface via flexible tubing, These pi ezometers have been installed from boats and from ice cover in water u p to 30 m deep. However, installation in water more than 100 m deep sh ould be possible.