Comparison of a karst groundwater model with and without discrete conduit flow

Karst aquifers exhibit a dual flow system characterized by interacting conduit and matrix domains. This study evaluated the coupled continuum pipe-flow framework for modeling karst groundwater flow in the Madison aquifer of western South Dakota (USA). Coupled conduit and matrix flow was simulated within a regional finite-difference model over a 10-year transient period. An existing equivalent porous medium (EPM) model was modified to include major conduit networks whose locations were constrained by dye-tracing data and environmental tracer analysis. Model calibration data included measured hydraulic heads at observation wells and estimates of discharge at four karst springs. Relative to the EPM model, the match to observation well hydraulic heads was substantially improved with the addition of conduits. The inclusion of conduit flow allowed for a simpler hydraulic conductivity distribution in the matrix continuum. Two of the high-conductivity zones in the EPM model, which were required to indirectly simulate the effects of conduits, were eliminated from the new model. This work demonstrates the utility of the coupled continuum pipe-flow method and illustrates how karst aquifer model parameterization is dependent on the physical processes that are simulated.     

Inference of the structure of karst conduits using quantitative tracer tests and geological information: example of the Swiss Jura

Karst aquifers are known for being particularly heterogeneous with highly transmissive conduits embedded in low permeability volumes of rock matrix. Artificial tracer experiments have been carried out in a complex karst aquifer of the folded Jura Mountains in Switzerland with the aim of deciphering the conduit organisation. It is shown that tracer experiments with multiple injection points under different flow conditions can lead to useful information on the conduits’ structure. This information has been combined with data from structural geology, spring hydrology, and speleological observations. A conceptual model of the conduit network shows that a detailed inference of the conduit organisation can be reached: geology controls conduit location and orientation; spring hydrology, including temporary springs, constrains conduit elevations and relative hydraulic heads in the aquifer subsystems; and tracer tests identify major flow paths and outlets of the system and dilution caused by non-traced tributaries, as well as the presence of secondary flow routes. This understanding of the Aubonne aquifer structure has important implications for the future management of the groundwater resource. Similar approaches coupling geological information, spring hydrology, and multi-tracer tests under various flow conditions may help to characterise the structure of the conduit network in karst aquifers.     

基于CFP的岩溶管道流数值模拟研究——以桂林寨底地下河子系统为例

为了描述岩溶多重含水介质存在非达西流问题,研究管道流CFP模型在岩溶区数值模拟中的应用。在分析管道流CFP基本原理的基础上,通过建立概念模型算例(5个管道,上下临界雷诺数分别为2 000和4 000),探讨不同管道水文地质参数对出口流量及水流状态的影响,并对参数敏感性进行分析,最后将CFPM1模型应用于广西寨底岩溶地下河系统,探讨在实际应用中的管道流模型适用性。概念模型结果表明,参数敏感度从大到小依次为:管道直径、水力梯度、管道渗透系数、弯曲度及粗糙度,流量与雷诺数随管道参数增大而增大,水流状态从层流变为紊流。寨底岩溶管道流模型中3个观测井及地下河出口实测流量表明CFPM1能较好地模拟出岩溶地下水水位变化趋势。得出结论:CFPM1管道流模型允许岩溶管道与基岩含水层进行水流交换,能够较好地刻画岩溶区管道介质非达西流特征,但管道参数获取较为困难,且不能刻画岩溶管道形态变化。该方法具有一定通用性,可为实际应用提供指导。     

Modeling hydrological responses of karst spring to storm events: example of the Shuifang spring (Jinfo Mt., Chongqing,China)

Reproduction of hydrographs at karst springs has been an approach of understanding the karst aquifer, which normally acts as drains for the groundwater flow. However, its numerical modeling is difficult since factors for the internal geometry and connectedness are unknown and hard to quantify. Hydrographs of the karst aquifer with well-developed conduits in Shuifang spring catchment were obtained from the automatic gauging station at the spring orifice. Data as to the conduit system were also obtained based on results and analyses of tracer tests. With these data, the hydrological responses of Shuifang spring to storm events were simulated by storm water management model (SWMM) developed by USA EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Nash–Sutcliffe efficiencies are used to compare the computed flow to the observed, which are 0.95 and 0.92 for calibration and validation. SWMM was verified and applicable in karst conduit drainage system. The model illustrated correctly quick recharge through conduits and slow and low inflow from the fissured aquifer matrix. The SCS-CN (soil conservation service-curve number) infiltration method was used for computation of losses and runoff. Field tests indicated that permeability was extremely high but different in karst area, which was less sensitive to the computed runoff when exceeded the common value provided by SWMM. Therefore, an improved quantitative infiltration model for karst area will make SWMM possible to be a useful tool for assessing and reproducing spring hydrographs.     

后寨河流域岩溶含水介质结构与地下径流研究

通过脉冲试验,采用测站脉冲响应曲线及流量衰减曲线分析,对后寨河流域含水介质结构进行了研究。研究结果表明,后寨河流域主要发育有溶隙- 溶管网络、较单一溶管以及溶隙网络三种含水介质结构,而且以溶隙、溶孔为主,其占含水介质体积的比率可达83.1%～96. 9%,而岩溶管道含水介质则只有3.1%～16.8%。不同含水介质的水文地质特征差异很大,溶隙- 管道网络水位上升快而衰减慢,水位变幅小;较单一溶管水位上升快而衰减亦快,水位变幅较大;而溶隙网络水位动态变化则介于前二者之间。      

Simulating flow in karst aquifers at laboratory and sub-regional scales using MODFLOW-CFP

Groundwater flow in a well-developed karst aquifer dominantly occurs through bedding planes, fractures, conduits, and caves created by and/or enlarged by dissolution. Conventional groundwater modeling methods assume that groundwater flow is described by Darcian principles where primary porosity (i.e. matrix porosity) and laminar flow are dominant. However, in well-developed karst aquifers, the assumption of Darcian flow can be questionable. While Darcian flow generally occurs in the matrix portion of the karst aquifer, flow through conduits can be non-laminar where the relation between specific discharge and hydraulic gradient is non-linear. MODFLOW-CFP is a relatively new modeling program that accounts for non-laminar and laminar flow in pipes, like karst caves, within an aquifer. In this study, results from MODFLOW-CFP are compared to those from MODFLOW-2000/2005, a numerical code based on Darcy’s law, to evaluate the accuracy that CFP can achieve when modeling flows in karst aquifers at laboratory and sub-regional (Woodville Karst Plain, Florida, USA) scales. In comparison with laboratory experiments, simulation results by MODFLOW-CFP are more accurate than MODFLOW 2005. At the sub-regional scale, MODFLOW-CFP was more accurate than MODFLOW-2000 for simulating field measurements of peak flow at one spring and total discharges at two springs for an observed storm event.     

The comparison of hydrodynamic characteristics of karst aquifers: application on two karst formations in Zagros (Asmari and Ilam-Sarvak), southwest Iran

In order to study the function, hydrodynamic behavior, and hydraulic properties of the karst aquifers in Izeh, southwest Iran, time series analysis was applied to the precipitation, spring discharge, and piezometric head data of two representative karst systems of Zagros (Ilam-Sarvak and Asmari Formations). Time series analysis was applied to two karst aquifers, those of Asmari and Ilam-Sarvak Formations. The daily precipitations of anticlines were estimated based on the precipitation–elevation function which was applied on digital elevation model (DEM) of the area. The mean estimated daily precipitations were considered in bivariate time series analysis as input data of each karst system. The total length of time series was about 2.7 years, extending from May 2007 to December 2009. During the research, several one-parameter probe data loggers were installed, which daily measure the water surfaces in karst aquifers. Time series analysis was applied for describing Izeh karst aquifers with a focus on both univariate (autocorrelation and spectral analysis) and bivariate (cross-correlation, gain function, and coherency function) methods. The results show that Asmari karst aquifer in Kamarderaz Anticline has a large storage capacity. Because of lacking a well-organized karst network, in the Asmari karst aquifer, baseflow dominates with low contribution of quick-flow. In the Ilam-Sarvak karst aquifer (Shavish and Tanush Anticlines), the karstification occurred in fractures and small diameter conduits, which caused to quick-flow between dense limestone. The Ilam-Sarvak karst aquifer could be regarded as a transition between two extreme types of karst, e.g., highly karstified system and in the opposite, extremely diffused one. The analysis of well hydrograph in Ilam-Sarvak karst aquifer shows that the karst aquifer has a low storage capacity. Unlike Asmari karst aquifer, the fractures and small diameter conduits in Ilam-Sarvak karst aquifer are more enhanced, producing a better developed karst network. Contrary to the typical karst systems, however, diffuse flow and conduit flow coexist in the Asmari Formation.     

Interactions of diffuse and focused allogenic recharge in an eogenetic karst aquifer (Florida, USA)

The karstic upper Floridan aquifer in north-central Florida (USA) is recharged by both diffuse and allogenic recharge. To understand how recharged water moves within the aquifer, water levels and specific conductivities were monitored and slug tests were conducted in wells installed in the aquifer surrounding the Santa Fe River Sink and Rise. Results indicate that diffuse recharge does not mix rapidly within the aquifer but instead flows horizontally. Stratification may be aided by the high matrix porosity of the eogenetic karst aquifer. Purging wells for sample collection perturbed conductivity for several days, reflecting mixing of the stratified water and rendering collection of representative samples difficult. Interpretive numerical simulations suggest that diffuse recharge impacts the intrusion of allogenic water from the conduit by increasing hydraulic head in the surrounding aquifer and thereby reducing influx to the aquifer from the conduit. In turn, the increase of head within the conduits affects flow paths of diffuse recharge by moving newly recharged water vertically as the water table rises and falls. This movement may result in a broad vertical zone of dissolution at the water table above the conduit system, with thinner and more focused water-table dissolution at greater distance from the conduit.     

典型岩溶包气带洞穴滴水水文过程研究——以桂林硝盐洞为例

选取桂林丫吉试验场硝盐洞为研究对象,通过示踪试验和高分辨率水文水化学监测,确定滴水补给来源,研究典型岩溶包气带洞穴滴水对降雨响应的水文过程。研究结果表明,硝盐洞XY5滴水主要受到两种径流成分补给,即集中补给的管道流和弥散流。硝盐洞上部包气带中可能存在表层岩溶带含水层,长期维持滴水流量。滴水流量、电导率和示踪剂浓度的峰值均出现在强降雨时段,表现出快速响应的管道流特征,存在降雨阈值引起硝盐洞滴水降雨响应。降雨前岩溶含水层水分条件是包气带水文响应差异的主要原因,雨季滴水对降雨响应迅速,XY5滴水对降雨响应的滞后时间为10 h;而旱季对降雨的响应滞后明显,滞后时间达9.8天,体现了土壤和表层岩溶带的调蓄作用。74.4 mm降雨量是旱季转雨季滴水响应的降雨阈值。借助于洞穴滴水的水文动态变化和示踪试验技术对于研究包气带水文过程,深入了解岩溶含水层结构及特征,揭示岩溶区降雨入渗补给机制具有重要作用。     

Relative importance and chemical effects of diffuse and focused recharge in an eogenetic karst aquifer: an example from the unconfined upper Floridan aquifer, USA

Karst aquifer studies often focus on allogenic water inputs and large conduit flow. However, diffuse recharge can be significant, particularly in unconfined eogenetic karst aquifers that retain high matrix permeability. This study examines an unconfined region of the upper Floridan aquifer (USA) that hosts a sinking stream, its resurgence, and a large conduit system. Daily diffuse recharge was approximated using a water-budget method and ranged from 17% of precipitation during a low precipitation year to >53% during the highest precipitation year, illustrating the highly variable nature of diffuse recharge in this region. The total allogenic input via the sinking stream over the 5 years of the study was significantly larger than the volume of diffuse recharge. However, only about 2% of the allogenic recharge flows from the conduit into the surrounding aquifer. That flow is restricted to storm events when hydraulic heads in the conduits exceed those in the surrounding aquifer. The estimated volume of dissolution is similar for allogenic recharge and diffuse recharge to the unconfined region surrounding the conduits, but dissolution from the diffuse recharge is distributed over a larger area than dissolution from allogenic recharge. These results exemplify how recharge type impacts flow and water–rock interactions in eogenetic karst aquifers.     

Application of a solute transport model under variable velocity conditions in a conduit flow aquifer: Olalde karst system, Basque Country, Spain

A model based on numerical solutions, which allows for solving the dispersion equation under variable recharge and velocity conditions, is developed to simulate solute transport in conduit flow aquifers during flow recession periods. As an example, the evolution of a tracer in the little known karst conduit that links the sinking stream of Oma valley to the Olalde spring is investigated in the karstic region of Santa Eufemia-Ereñozar (Basque Country, Spain). The model, with different hypothetical structures, allows for obtaining series of tracer breakthrough curves, which are fitted to experimental data using an optimization algorithm. These results, although they can be used to simulate the tracer evolution between the two points considered, do not allow for determining the internal structure and spatial disposition of contributions in the aquifer.     

基于CFP的岩溶管道流溶质运移数值模拟研究

多重岩溶含水介质的复杂性导致岩溶地下水流动及溶质运移的数学模拟成为地下水研究难点之一。为了探讨岩溶多重含水介质中地下水流溶质运移特征,文章构建了管道流CFP水流模型和MT3DMS溶质运移三维耦合数值模型。在阐述管道流CFP和MT3DMS基本原理的基础上,通过建立水文地质概念模型算例（1个落水洞、4个直管道）,探讨岩溶管道水流及溶质运移规律,分析讨论不同水文地质参数对浓度穿透曲线的影响。研究结果表明:管道流CFP模型能够刻画岩溶管道与基岩裂隙水流交换特征,MT3DMS模型能够模拟穿透曲线的拖尾现象,符合实际岩溶区特征。随着水力梯度、管道直径及管道渗透系数增大,孔隙度减小,浓度曲线峰值越大,峰值到达时间越快,浓度穿透曲线越对称。得出结论:耦合CFP水流模型和MT3DMS溶质运移模型能够刻画岩溶管道流溶质运移规律,为研究岩溶复杂介质污染物运移特征提供一种思路和途径。     

An integrated linear/non-linear flow model for the conduit-fissure-pore media in the karst triple void aquifer system

Most karstic aquifer media may be characterized as the triple-void media with highly-varied hydraulic properties, including matrix pore, fissure and conduit, in which liner flow may co-exist with non-linear flow. In this paper, an attempt is made to couple linear flow with non-linear flow in a single unified flow governing equations by introducing the concept of equivalent hydraulic conductivity (EHC) and deriving a general Darcys law for various flow. The expression of EHC in the karst conduit and fissure are also derived. The procedures of numerical implementation are demonstrated via an ideal model and a case study of karst aquifer system in the Beishan Ore Formation area, Guangxi Autonomous Region, China.     

岩溶管道结构影响泉流量变化的数值模拟研究

采用MODFLOW-CFP建立管道流数值模型,模拟岩溶含水系统在暴雨期的响应过程,以泉口流量峰值作为因变量,分别对控制管道结构的4个参数以及落水洞集中补给比例进行调整,研究管道结构如何控制泉流量变化过程。结果表明:管道直径、管壁渗透系数和落水洞补给比例对泉口流量峰值均表现为正相关,其中管壁渗透系数影响最大;管道弯曲度值较小时其增大促进出口流量峰值变大,当径流途径变长引起的流量减小幅度超过管壁面积变大引起的流量增大幅度时,流量峰值逐渐变小;管壁粗糙度在达到两个相对应的雷诺数临界值时水流状态发生突变,导致流量峰值也表现为两次突变。      

西南某岩溶区地下水系统示踪试验与解析

以西南某典型岩溶区为例,解析示踪试验在岩溶管道连通性以及获取水文地质参数中的应用。选择落水洞为投放点,分别从落水洞西侧和东侧寻找地下水出露点作为接收点,判别落水洞地下径流的实际去向以及落水洞与接收点之间的水力联系。结合Qtracer2软件对示踪试验成果进行定量解析,确定示踪剂回收率、地下水平均流速、最快流速,估算出岩溶管道结构特征和水文地质参数。结果表明:落水洞与接收点JS01、JS03之间不存在直接水力联系;落水洞与接收点JS02存在水力联系且岩溶管道极为发育,含水介质不均匀,地下水运移路径较为通畅,为典型的紊流流态;落水洞地下径流的主要方向是由西向东,但在丰水期雨量较大期间,接收点JS04能够接收到荧光素钠,说明丰水期水位上涨后两者间会有水力联系,导致部分水量向落水洞西侧排泄。     

Using numerical simulation for the prediction of mine dewatering from a karst water system underlying the coal seam in the Yuxian Basin,Northern China

Water inrush from a karst aquifer threatens mine safety in North China because of the special hydrogeological conditions. This paper systematically analyzes the regional hydrogeological conditions of the Cambrian–Ordovician limestone karst aquifer in the Yuxian Basin. Conceptual and mathematical models of karst water flow system are established, and the karst water flow system is simulated by the finite-difference method. The numerical model is checked using hydraulic head from karst water observation holes, and the sensitivity of hydrogeological parameters is analyzed. Further, the risk of water inrush from the karst aquifer underlying the coal seam in the second mining area of the Beiyangzhuang Mine in the basin is evaluated by the water inrush coefficient method. Based on the critical hydraulic head for mining safety, the rate of mine dewatering is simulated for the three stages of the mining plan with the numerical model. The results show that the risk of water inrush in the second mining area is high. The rate of dewatering in the three stages without grouting is 1300, 1860, and 2050 m³/h, respectively, and with local grouting is 1020, 1550, and 1700 m³/h, respectively. Dewatering combined with grouting not only ensures coal mine safety, but also significantly reduces the rate of dewatering. The prediction method of mine dewatering has practical significance in engineering applications.     

初始裂隙对岩溶水紊流形成的影响

岩溶地区地下发育着大量的溶洞和地下河管道,地下水流状态既有层流也有紊流,而紊流是溶洞管道形成的重要条件。紊流的形成受到岩石初始裂隙的影响,初始裂隙的张开度、分布、走向、迹长、密度等因素都影响着裂隙发育过程中水流状态的变化。通过对不同统计特征的初始裂隙网络进行水流和溶蚀的数值模拟发现,以张开度标准差反映的裂隙网络非均匀性越强,模拟紊流出现的时间就越早;主要裂隙的存在使裂隙网络的非均性增强,主要裂隙与水力梯度总方向的角度越小,紊流出现的时间就越早;当裂隙平均迹长过小时会导致裂隙连通性较差,影响裂隙水流和溶蚀作用;裂隙密度,尤其是主要裂隙密度,对岩溶发育的影响较大。相对于次要裂隙,如果主要裂隙密度偏小,紊流形成时间会大大增加,甚至很难形成紊流。当初始裂隙张开度小于0.001 cm,增大水力梯度仍没有紊流发生,岩溶几乎不发育。      

Karst Hyporheic Zone及其研究进展

Karst Hyporheic Zone(笔者将之译为“岩溶交互带”)是近三年来新出现的一个岩溶术语,我国尚未开展“岩溶交互带”的研究工作,它主要是指岩溶地下水与周边岩溶基质(含沉积物、基岩)水之间物质能量活跃交替的地带。本文从“岩溶交互带”的概念来源、含义、最新的研究进展和监测技术发展等方面进行了总结,并就现存的问题和未来研究提出了看法。      

运用水文时间序列分析识别济南泉域岩溶发育特征

岩溶含水层具有高度的非均质性和各向异性,为定量识别济南泉域岩溶含水层发育状况,通过选取泉域岩溶水补给区和排泄区的地下水位动态数据,采用相关分析和频谱分析,研究其对降雨补给的响应特征.地下水位-降雨量的自相关和互相关分析表明,系统对降雨输入信号的敏感程度自补给区至排泄区逐渐降低,但记忆作用逐渐增强.相位分析结果表明泉域地下水位对降雨信号的响应存在滞后现象,自补给区至排泄区滞后时间逐渐延长,补给区地下水位与降雨具有更好的线性相关性.交叉振幅分析结果表明补给区地下水流中快速流约占20%~30%,而在排泄区快速流占比减少至2.5%~10.0%.岩溶含水系统地下水动力条件主要受岩溶发育程度等介质内部结构影响,济南泉域岩溶含水层岩溶发育程度较低,含水介质和水流通道以岩溶裂隙为主,地下水运动以基质流为主.      

西南地区岩溶水源地类型及开发技术条件

明确了岩溶水源地的定义,并提出了新的岩溶水源地分类方案。首先按岩溶含水层的埋藏分布、岩溶水出露状态,将岩溶水源地划分为天然出露的岩溶水源地及隐伏的岩溶水源地两大类。然后再根据岩溶水源地的岩溶含水介质特征（导水和赋水空间形态、结构及水动力特征）进一步将天然出露的岩溶水源地划分为暗河、泉、表层泉三个亚类,将隐伏的岩溶水源地划分为饱水带富水块段、表层带富水块段两个亚类。并研究评价了各个类型的岩溶水富集规律、动态特征、岩溶水资源、开发技术条件。