3.13 The RESULT entity
|
A result is
|
Each recorded measurement, observation or interpretation of a parameter is called a result.
Table 3.15 Attributes of the result entity
|
Name |
Data Type |
Description |
|
event_feature_ identifier |
character |
unique identifier for groundwater_feature that event relates to eg. the pumped bore in a test |
|
event_number |
integer |
sequential number in combination with event_feature_identifer uniquely defines the event |
|
feature_ identifier |
integer |
unique identifier for groundwater_feature that sample was derived from |
|
parameter_ number |
integer |
sequential number used to uniquely define parameter in combination with event_feature_identifier and event_number |
|
sample_number |
integer |
sequential number to uniquely define sample related to groundwater_feature during event, in combination with feature_identifier, event_feature_identifier and event_number |
|
result_number |
integer |
sequential number, in combination with event_feature_identifier, event_number, feature_identifier, parameter_number and sample_number, uniquely defines result of parameter on sample of groundwater_feature at event |
|
fraction_ number |
integer |
sequential number to uniquely define the component of sample being examined |
|
code |
description of the fraction or portion of sample being examined eg. soluble component, non-volatile phase |
|
|
interval_ from |
number |
distance from datum plane to start of interval that result relates to, metres |
|
interval_ to |
number |
distance from datum plane to end of interval that result relates to, metres |
|
time_from |
character |
start of time interval that result relates to, relative to sample start date/time in days:hours:minutes:seconds format |
|
time_to |
character |
end of time interval that result relates to, relative to sample start date/time in days:hours:minutes:seconds format |
|
value |
number |
numerical value returned by the analysis |
|
description |
character |
descriptive result of an analysis |
|
code |
type of reading eg. mean value, maximum value |
|
|
code |
indicator for how results value should be treated eg. LT for less than |
|
|
qualifier |
code |
additional information connected to result eg. colour intensity for colour |
|
code |
level of confidence placed on result |
|
|
comments |
character |
comments about result |
A result is linked to its relevant parameter via the combination of event_feature_identifier, event_number and parameter_number. This allows the measurements to be related to information such as the property that was measured, the equipment that was used and the inherent detection limits and error margins. The result can also be linked to the relevant sample using the additional feature_identifier and sample_number attributes. Hence, the result of a laboratory analysis result can be referred back to the actual groundwater sample that was lodged with the laboratory.
Each result can be defined as a numerical value or textual description relating to a particular parameter. A reliability may be attached to the value, indicating how the numerical value should be treated (eg. ‘LT’ for ‘less than’). Additional information about a result can also be stored in the qualifier attribute. In the case of the colour parameter the qualifier stores the colour intensity. There can also be different types of results as you can record the mean value, maximum value, the constantly maintained value etc. A general indication of the level of confidence placed on the result can also be added.
A result can be defined in terms of both space and time. For example, a log consists of a series of observations assigned to discrete intervals along the length of a groundwater_feature. Each interval is defined by the interval_from and interval_to attributes. The datum_number as recorded for the sample (ie. the entire length down hole that was logged) is used to define the origin. Many observations or measurements can be made for each individual interval. For example, the colour, grain size and lithology of the host rock within the log interval can be described. For the same interval, the drill sample recovery rate or the penetration rate may be recorded. The actual observation relating to the interval within the log can be stored as a number in the value attribute. This is appropriate for geophysical log data. Alternatively, the observation can be recorded as a text string in the description attribute. This is appropriate for lithological or stratigraphic logs.
Components or fractions of the interval can be individually described if necessary. For example, the lithology of an interval can consist of a major fraction of grey lignitic silts and a minor fraction of yellow ferruginous medium grained sands. Each component can be uniquely defined by a fraction_number and described separately. A fraction may be of a particular fraction_type. In the case of groundwater samples, the soluble fraction derived after filtration is the focus of analysis.
The time interval that the result relates to may be more critical than the spatial interval. This is the case for water levels and flow measurements measured through time during a pump test. The time_from and time_to attributes define the span of time that a result relates to, relative to the sample_start_date for the sample. This time interval may be very short (eg. practically instantaneous water level measurements from a data logger) or relatively long (eg. pumping that is maintained at a constant rate for the duration of an aquifer test).
There is a degree of flexibility in terms of where space/time attributes of measurements are recorded within the data model. In the case of a single sample with multiple parameters measured (such as a groundwater sample collected for detailed chemical analysis) it would be more appropriate and efficient to record when and where within the groundwater_feature the sample is from, in the sample entity. For the reverse situation where a single parameter is measured over a sequence of down hole intervals (eg. a lithological log) then the spatial definition (eg. depth intervals) would be more appropriately stored in the result entity.
An extensive domain of codes used to define the results of different properties has been developed for the data standards. Table 3.16 provides a listing of the geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical properties for which codes are currently available. In terms of stratigraphy, the Australian Stratigraphic Names Database (Lenz et al, 1996), formerly called GEODX, is the national authority database on stratigraphic names and is maintained at the Australian Geological Survey Organisation (AGSO). In addition to the traditional function of a national register of stratigraphic names, it is also an Internet-accessible stratigraphic lexicon. Included in the database are more than 28,000 stratigraphic names, their rank (member, formation, group), usage, history, currency, geological province, time range, parent unit, underlying and overlying units, boundary relations, geographic locations and bibliographic references. Each stratigraphic name is defined nationally by a unique stratno number.
Table 3.16 Code-type domains available for the result entity
|
Category |
Description |
|
degree of reaction with acid eg. HCl |
|
|
changes in rock mineralogy due to hydrothermal/weathering processes |
|
|
type of sedimentary bedding thickness |
|
|
the capacity of the rock to adhere together |
|
|
colour |
|
|
significant mineralogical composition of lithology |
|
|
type of contact between two rock types |
|
|
contaminant phases evident in sample |
|
|
drilling condition of lithology |
|
|
how the lithology feels to touch |
|
|
classification of type of natural flow from groundwater feature eg. flowing, non-flowing |
|
|
type of fluid in void at time of data collection |
|
|
types of fossils present in lithology |
|
|
proportion of interval/sample that fraction represents |
|
|
size range of particles making up the rock |
|
|
hydraulic type of hydrogeological unit eg. unconfined |
|
|
form that igneous lithology occurs as |
|
|
textures evident in igneous rock |
|
|
bedding structures found in sedimentary rocks |
|
|
grade of metamorphism |
|
|
textures evident in metamorphic rock |
|
|
component minerals of lithology |
|
|
general indication of amount of moisture in sample |
|
|
colour classification based on Munsell Colour Chart |
|
|
smell |
|
|
type of voids in aquifer eg. fractures, primary porosity |
|
|
description of precipitation (rainfall) conditions |
|
|
the extent that the rock can withstand a stress without rupture or plastic flow |
|
|
geological structure evident in lithology |
|
|
type of rock |
|
|
degree of roundness of component grains |
|
|
environment of sediment deposition |
|
|
form that sediment lithology occurs as |
|
|
structures evident within the sediment |
|
|
textures evident in sediments |
|
|
trends in grain size and bed thickness through sediment pile |
|
|
sediment property based on shape of grainsize distribution curve |
|
|
the extent that the soil can withstand a stress without rupture or plastic flow |
|
|
description of the increase in bulk volume evident during deformation |
|
|
property that enables lithology to undergo permanent deformation |
|
|
structure of intact soil |
|
|
measurement of uniformity of particle size in sediment |
|
|
interpretation of downhole stratigraphy |
|
|
estimate of water quality based on taste |
|
|
tectonic features or textures evident in lithology |
|
|
system for classifying soils for engineering purposes based on particle size, liquid limit and plasticity index |
|
|
degree of weathering of lithology |
|
