The complex nature of many environmental remediation problems has taxed the capabilities of traditional geophysical techniques and encouraged renewed research to develop better methods [ Rix and Santamarina, 1993]. One of the problems that must be addressed in environmental studies is that most geophysical techniques were developed for use in remote regions where there is little noise caused by cultural sources such as power lines, fences, pipes, and traffic. These noise sources can pose a major problem to geophysical surveys.
Another problem stems from the fact that the people in charge of remediation efforts are often not well versed in geophysical techniques. This can result in inappropriate techniques being used. In an effort to alleviate this problem and to educate potential users of geophysical techniques, Olhoeft [1992b] has developed an expert system to advise on the selection of geophysical techniques based upon information supplied about a clean-up site.