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.     

Assessment of key transport parameters in a karst system under different dynamic conditions based on tracer experiments: the Jeita karst system,Lebanon

Artificial tracer experiments were conducted in the mature karst system of Jeita (Lebanon) under various flow conditions using surface and subsurface tracer injection points, to determine the variation of transport parameters (attenuation of peak concentration, velocity, transit times, dispersivity, and proportion of immobile and mobile regions) along fast and slow flow pathways. Tracer breakthrough curves (TBCs) observed at the karst spring were interpreted using a two-region nonequilibrium approach (2RNEM) to account for the skewness in the TBCs’ long tailings. The conduit test results revealed a discharge threshold in the system dynamics, beyond which the transport parameters vary significantly. The polynomial relationship between transport velocity and discharge can be related to the variation of the conduit’s cross-sectional area. Longitudinal dispersivity in the conduit system is not a constant value (α?=?7–10 m) and decreases linearly with increasing flow rate because of dilution effects. Additionally, the proportion of immobile regions (arising from conduit irregularities) increases with decreasing water level in the conduit system. From tracer tests with injection at the surface, longitudinal dispersivity values are found to be large (8–27 m). The tailing observed in some TBCs is generated in the unsaturated zone before the tracer actually arrives at the major subsurface conduit draining the system. This work allows the estimation and prediction of the key transport parameters in karst aquifers. It shows that these parameters vary with time and flow dynamics, and they reflect the geometry of the flow pathway and the origin of infiltrating (potentially contaminated) recharge.     

Modeling solute transport in river channels using dispersion theory

Carrying out a series of field tracer experiments in river channels allows recognition of river behavior in different flow conditions and thus investigation of the evolution of a solute, tracer, or pollutant over the range of flow rates considered. In this paper, data from tracing tests conducted on the Artibai River in northern Basque Country are used to demonstrate the approach. In all experiments the tracer used was lithium and it was added to the river as an input pulse. An analytical solution to the instantaneous injection model that accounts for the effective initial amount of tracer injected, calculated from the tracer breakthrough curve, instead of the conventional initial injection concentration, is used. The technique is applied to estimate travel times, Péclet numbers, and dispersion coefficients using an optimization algorithm with the aim of characterizing the tracer movement in the stream and analyzing its evolution. Subsequently, considering the results of various tracer experiments, conducted over different flow rates, empirical relationships between dispersion, velocity, and flow rates may be determined. This information allows characterization of the river behavior and can be used to model transportation and dispersion of a tracer or pollutant.     

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.     

贺州市合宝地下河系统的定量示踪试验与分析

在岩溶水文地质调查中,示踪试验的应用是较为广泛且行之有效的方法。为确定地下河系统的岩溶含水介质结构,采用高精度在线监测技术在广西壮族自治区贺州市合宝地下河主管道上进行示踪试验。试验采用的示踪剂为荧光素钠,在线监测设备为GGUN-FL30野外荧光分光光度计。试验结果显示: 合宝地下河入口S₁与出口S₄之间地下河以管道流为主要特征,结构相对简单,不存在溶潭等地下储水体; 示踪剂回收率为63.18%,说明该地下河还有其他排泄途径,很有可能为地下潜流。基于Qtracer2数据分析可知,合宝地下河枯季水流的最大流速为156.00 m/h,平均流速48.09 m/h,岩溶管道储水量26 714 m³,管道过水断面面积13.70 m²,平均直径4.18 m,弥散系数0.505 m²/s,纵弥散度37.81 m,摩擦系数0.178,雷诺数48 937,舍伍德数1 875.4,施密特数1 140。合宝地下河岩溶极其发育,含水介质不均一性强,为规模较大的单一管道系统。地下水流态呈紊流型,且局部具备承压特征。研究数据及成果为建立地下河系统数值模型提供了依据。     

Regional-scale analysis of karst underground flow deduced from tracing experiments: examples from carbonate aquifers in Malaga province,southern Spain

Tracer concentration data from field experiments conducted in several carbonate aquifers (Malaga province, southern Spain) were analyzed following a dual approach based on the graphical evaluation method (GEM) and solute transport modeling to decipher flow mechanisms in karst systems at regional scale. The results show that conduit system geometry and flow conditions are the principal factors influencing tracer migration through the examined karst flow routes. Solute transport is mainly controlled by longitudinal advection and dispersion throughout the conduit length, but also by flow partitioning between mobile and immobile fluid phases, while the matrix diffusion process appears to be less relevant. The simulation of tracer breakthrough curves (BTCs) suggests that diffuse and concentrated flow through the unsaturated zone can have equivalent transport properties under extreme recharge, with high flow velocities and efficient mixing due to the high hydraulic gradients generated. Tracer mobilization within the saturated zone under low flow conditions mainly depends on the hydrodynamics (rather than on the karst conduit development), which promote a lower longitudinal advection and retardation in the tracer migration, resulting in a marked tailing effect of BTCs. The analytical advection-dispersion equation better approximates the effective flow velocity and longitudinal dispersion estimations provided by the GEM, while the non-equilibrium transport model achieves a better adjustment of most asymmetric and long-tailed BTCs. The assessment of karst underground flow properties from tracing tests at regional scale can aid design of groundwater management and protection strategies, particularly in large hydrogeological systems (i.e. transboundary carbonate aquifers) and/or in poorly investigated ones.     

利用示踪试验时间-浓度曲线分析岩溶管道结构特征

岩溶管道结构特征对岩溶水资源的合理取用、保护及地下工程安全施工均具有重要影响。目前在利用示踪试验曲线分析岩溶管道结构特征时,难以通过曲线叠加、钝锋、不规则上升和下降等形态准确解释多条岩溶管道连接关系、地下湖所处位置和地下水状态。运用地下水溶质运移理论,推导出岩溶管道流溶质运移模型,根据模型绘制三维溶质运移形态和理论时间-浓度曲线,结合水力学相关知识,对岩溶管道连接关系、地下湖位置及岩溶管道流形态变化对应的时间-浓度曲线进行解释。得出以下主要结论:（1）曲线出峰个数对应岩溶管道条数,由于管道径流长度及流速存在差异,双管道并联曲线存在3种模型,分别为2个孤立的单峰、下降曲线存在双峰叠加和2个连续上升的叠加峰;（2）单管道曲线下降梯度个数对应地下湖个数,多管道需结合管道个数和地下湖位置具体分析下降梯度和地下湖个数关系,根据地下湖位置将双管道并联岩溶管道划分4种类型,即地下湖存在于未分支管道、主管道、支管道、主管道和分支管道上;（3）曲线形态极速变化标志着管道流发生表流和承压流的相互转化。研究结果可为岩溶地区地下水保护及地下工程安全建设提供保障。     

基于MODFLOW的岩溶管道水流模拟方法探讨与应用

针对岩溶管道水流特征,选取广西寨底岩溶流域为研究对象,分别采用三维有限差分地下水流动模型(MODFLOW)中的Drain和River模块概化模拟岩溶管道特征,结合管道内上游、中游及下游三个观测孔对比分析两种方法的适用性,结果表明:末期等水位线图中位于管道两侧处流线均有形状突变,符合实际管道水流动态特征,且能模拟出管道内水位变化趋势。最后分析两种方法模拟管道水流的原理,Drain模块中岩溶管道仅起排水作用,不允许管道内水流流向周围含水层,而River模块允许岩溶管道水与周围含水层水流交换,因而相对Drain模块而言,应用River模块概化模拟岩溶管道更加精确。       

Development of a coupled surface-groundwater-pipe network model for the sustainable management of karstic groundwater

This paper considers the hydrogeological simulation of groundwater movement in karstic regions using a hydrological modelling system (SHETRAN) which has been adapted for modelling flow in karstic aquifers. Flow and transport through karstic aquifers remains poorly understood, yet quantitative hydrogeological models are essential for developing and implementing groundwater protection policies. The new model has been developed and used within the STALAGMITE (Sustainable Management of Groundwater in Karstic Environments) project, funded by the European Commission. The SHETRAN model is physically based insofar as most of the parameters have some physical meaning. The SHETRAN model represents all of the key processes in the hydrological cycle, including subsurface flow in the saturated and unsaturated zones, surface flow over the ground surface and in channels, rainfall interception by vegetation canopies, evapotranspiration, snow-pack development and snowmelt. The modifications made to SHETRAN to simulate karstic aquifers are (1) the coupling of a pipe network model to a variably saturated, three-dimensional groundwater component (the VSS-NET component), to simulate flow under pressure in saturated conduits; (2) the coupling of surface water features (e.g. sinking streams or "ponors", and spring discharges) to the conduit system; (3) the addition of a preferential "bypass" flow mechanism to represent vertical infiltration through a high-conductivity epikarst zone. Lastly, a forward particle tracking routine has been developed to trace the path of hypothetical particles with matrix and pipe flow to springs or other discharge points. This component allows the definition of groundwater protection zones around a source for areas of the catchment (watershed) which are vulnerable to pollution from non-point sources (agriculture and forestry).     

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。     

岩溶泉域降雨径流水文过程的模拟——以重庆金佛山水房泉为例

通过地貌、水文地质、土壤、植被、地下洞穴管道等实地调查,以及示踪试验确定水房泉泉域范围和地下水文系统特征,并通过代表性点的土壤入渗试验、降雨和流量监测以及DEM数据等获得泉域水文模型所需的面积、结点高程、入渗率、糙率、管道长度、含水层孔隙度、出流系数等参数。选择SCS径流曲线模型估算地表产流,利用SWMM模型模拟泉域对场降雨的径流响应过程。通过运行模型,与实测流量比较,结果显示模拟曲线与观测流量曲线吻合较好,用于校正和验证的两场降雨产流的模拟误差分别为9.5%和12%,表明SWMM可应用于岩溶区以管道流为主要排水系统的含水介质的模拟。     

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.     

Functioning of a coastal karstic system with a submarine outlet,in southern Spain

A conceptual model of the functioning of a complex coastal karst aquifer in southern Spain is presented. The system has well developed conduits below sea level and is connected to the Mediterranean Sea. It discharges through two conduits 12 m below sea level, 20 km apart. The Moraig conduit is the main outlet; the discharge to the sea is brackish. The Toix conduit only discharges to the sea during heavy floods and lets in seawater the rest of the time. During the 1999–2000 hydrological year, both conduits were monitored by flowmeters and electrical conductivity-temperature probes. On the basis of the collected data, the hydrological relationship between the functioning of the system and the sea was characterised. The conceptual model assumes the existence of a huge reservoir called an “aquifer reservoir” which is supplied by (1) freshwater from rainfall and (2) seawater flowing into the Toix conduit. In addition, during heavy rainfall events, fast infiltration brings considerable amounts of freshwater into the Moraig conduit. This is typical of a “by-pass” mechanism. Salinity and flow rates were simulated with the use of a rainfall-discharge and a rainfall-salinity model. The simulation of flow and salinity time series can be used for water management purposes.     

Characterization of flow and transport dynamics in karst aquifers by analyzing tracer test results in conduits and recharge areas (the Egino Massif,Basque Country,Spain): environmental and management implications

Karst aquifers contribute to supplying drinking water to almost a quarter of the world´s population. Their complex dynamics requires specific approaches aimed at recognizing their singularities, analyzing its vulnerability, and ensuring water resources quality. In this paper, the results of processing and modeling five breakthrough tracer curves obtained under different hydrodynamic conditions in the main conduit of Egino karst aquifer (Basque Country, Spain) are analyzed together with those involving pressure injections of the tracer in the saturated zone of the karst massif recharge area. In the conduit, transport is immediate and highly efficient (recovery rates above 84% and dispersion coefficients from 15.04 to 84.35 m²/min); tracer retentions increase as flow rates decrease and no significant contributions to its surroundings are observed. In contrast, tracer transport from the massif recharge area is more complex: after injection at a pressure of 1 MPa, most tracer remains in the surrounding of the injection borehole, retained in a saturated medium of low effective fracture porosity (? _f ?=?1.02?×?10^?4, assuming a radial divergent flow model); subsequently, the main tracer mobilization to the spring was registered with the first rains, with 0.088 m/min mean velocity and high concentrations per unit mass being injected (C _p /M₀?=?0.03 mg/L/kg), which is evidence that the tracer reaches soon the karst conduit network. In any case, a decreasing tracer presence is registered at the injection zone during a hydrological cycle. In both cases, the observed non-linearity of transport processes should be considered in the development of vulnerability approaches, modeling efforts, and mapping. Furthermore, in the case of karst massif recharge areas, as the presence of pollutants may have a significant impact on the springs and persist over time, their management and protection needs must be revised in each specific site. Simultaneously, quality-monitoring programs at the springs must be adapted to the aquifers recognized dynamics.     

Monthly karstic spring flow forecasting using a sequential gaussian simulation technique

Analyzing groundwater hydrologic equations related to karstic aquifers and spring hydrograph simulation have become the focus of many researches. Having double or triple porosity structure, mixed flow nature, and varying conduit permeability have made these formations become complex heterogenic systems with great temporal and spatial hydrodynamic variability. In this paper, a conditional sequential gaussian simulation (SGS) is used to simulate monthly flow data of five karstic springs with different hydrogeological properties, located in Zagros Mountain Chain, in western Iran. To evaluate the performance of the SGS algorithm, the results are compared with those of an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. The results demonstrate the efficiency of the SGS model in simulation of monthly flows compared to the ARIMA model. They also show the suitability of this model for handling uncertainty associated with karstic spring flows through generation of several equally probable stochastic realizations.     

岩溶管道与裂隙介质间溶质暂态存储机制

溶质暂态存储是岩溶地下水溶质运移过程中的普遍现象。为揭示岩溶管道与裂隙介质间溶质暂态存储机制,本文构建室内管道-裂隙物理模型,开展集中补给条件下的定量示踪试验,运用双区对流弥散模型实现溶质运移过程模拟。研究表明:随着集中补给水动力条件的增强,裂隙暂态存储水量呈线性增加趋势,溶质穿透曲线由单峰型向双峰型转变;管道和裂隙中的平均流速呈负相关关系,溶质在管道和裂隙中的滞留时间差决定了穿透曲线的形态;溶质暂态存储引发了穿透曲线的拖尾效应和双峰现象,对岩溶地下水溶质运移过程具有重要的控制作用。     

Tracer tests and the structure of permeability in the Corallian limestone aquifer of northern England, UK

The Corallian limestone of northern England (UK) is widely exploited for water supplies and exhibits the karstic phenomena of sinking rivers, conduit development and groundwater velocities of several kilometres per day. To test a number of model-derived source protection zones and elucidate contaminant transport mechanisms in the aquifer, three tracer tests were conducted from a set of swallow-holes draining the River Derwent toward public water supply wells in the eastern part of the aquifer. Tracers used included: Enterobacter cloacae (bacteriophage), Photine C (optical brightener), sodium fluorescein (fluorescent dye) and sulphur hexafluoride (dissolved gas), the varying properties of which make them suitable analogues for different types of potential contaminant. Observed tracer transport times and arrival patterns indicate that tracer transport occurs through karstic channels embedded in a network of primary fissures which exert control over tracer concentrations once initial tracer plumes have passed. A dipole flow system is observed between the swallow-holes and the closest abstraction well, whilst previously modelled source protection zones do not accurately reflect either groundwater velocity or those areas of the aquifer supplying the wells. These findings imply that managing such aquifers for potential contamination should rely upon empirical tracer evidence for source-protection zone modelling.     

利用SWMM模型模拟岩溶峰丛洼地系统降雨径流过程——以桂林丫吉试验场为例

文章以桂林丫吉试验场为例,验证是否可以利用SWMM模型模拟以管道为主的岩溶峰丛洼地系统降雨径流过程。以洼地为单元,把研究区概化为由管道相连的6个次级汇水流域,选择Green-Amp入渗计算方法,同时考虑包气带裂隙水对管道的补给,运行SWMM模型计算出研究区管道总出口S31泉的流量曲线。结果显示：模拟流量变化过程与实测流量变化过程基本一致。说明该模型可以用来模拟岩溶峰丛洼地地区降雨径流过程。经验证,模拟时段内S31泉总量相对误差为19.1%。     

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。     

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。