Groundwater-surface water connectivity and carbon dynamics in a coal seam gas exploration area

This thesis provides a comprehensive regional baseline analysis of groundwater and surface water characteristics in the subtropical Richmond River Catchment (Australia) with the main focus on methane (the dominant gas in coal seam gas, CSG) and radon (a natural groundwater tracer). The study site is an area of high interest due to planned CSG development. Overall results demonstrate broad catchment scale spatial and temporal variability in groundwater and surface water dynamics. The results serve as a regional baseline assessment of groundwater-surface water connectivity and chemistry prior to the development of CSG fields.