Application of MODFLOW for simulating groundwater flow in the Trifilia karst aquifer, Greece

Karst aquifers can have a complex flow as a result of the formation of large conduits from dissolution features. As a result, a three-dimensional finite-difference groundwater flow model (equivalent porous media) may not apply as the dual porosity nature of karst features and the effects of turbulent flow cannot be directly simulated. Statistical analysis of karst hydrographs of the Trifilia aquifer in Greece showed the existence of a slightly karstified mass with high primary porosity that regulates the flow. An equivalent porous media model was developed to simulate the Trifilia karst aquifer using MODFLOW. Steady state and transient state calibration gave encouraging results for the equivalent porous media approach, which does not consider pipe flow or turbulence. Detailed hydrogeological research conducted in the area helped define the aquifer hydraulic conductivity zones and extent; and flux to/from the aquifer. Only hydraulic conductivity and specific yield were adjusted during calibration, as the flux to/from the system was considered known and applied as boundary conditions. Small mean absolute and RMS piezometric head error of the model under both steady and transient state conditions were achieved.     

侧向有限越流承压含水层中非完整井非稳定流模型及解析解

工程建设中当距离抽水井r=rb处水位基本没有变化或不受抽水影响时,或当此处存在止水帷幕时,含水层系统视为侧向有限延伸,rb为有限半径。为此,构建更加符合工程实际的侧向有限延伸的典型弱透水层-承压水层系统中非完整井非稳定流计算模型,同时考虑井径和井储效应的影响,应用Laplace变换和分离变量法得到了水位降深在拉氏空间下的解析解,并应用拉氏数值逆变换Stehfest法得到真实空间下的水位降深。新建立的解析解可以进一步退化为诸多已有解,并进一步将其与已知解和有限元数值解进行对比,验证了所得解的正确性和可靠性。基于新建解重点分析了侧向边界和井的完整性对承压水层水位降深的影响。结果表明:含水层系统的侧向有限边界仅对抽水后期的水位降深影响明显,含水层系统侧向无限延伸情况下的水位降深要大于情形1(在r=rb处为定水头边界)且明显小于情形2(在r=rb处为不透水边界)下的水位降深,rb越小,两者之间的误差越大;抽水井的完整性对整个抽水期间不同情形下的水位降深均有明显的影响,承压含水层顶板处的水位降深随着抽水井滤管的长度和埋深的增加而减小。     

Monitoring of percolation water to discriminate surficial inputs in a karst aquifer

 A long-term study on the chemistry of percolating waters in a very large touristic karst cave (Grotta Gigante, northern Italy) was carried out in order to define recharge zones, flowpaths, and possible anthropogenic contamination from the neighboring area. On the basis of a multivaried analysis of the chemical parameters, a discrimination of the dripping points was attempted. Percolation waters whose recharge zone is in the northernmost sector of the cave appeared permanently affected by the anthropic settlements and agricultural activity on the ground surface. Received: 28 April 1997 · Accepted: 3 February 1998     

块状岩溶承压含水层非稳定流数学模型的建立及应用

块状岩溶介质可视为双重孔隙介质, 其含水层为承压含水层, 水文地质模型概化为各向同性非均质。根据块状岩溶承压含水层地下水运动规律, 建立二维承压含水层非稳定流数学模型, 采用有限体积法对其求解, 并以深圳葵涌区为例对模型进行识别和验证。结果表明: 各时段的计算水位值与实测水位值非常接近, 所建立的数学模型正确可应用。     

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.     

Groundwater flow and residence time in a karst aquifer using ion and isotope characterization

In order to identify the origin of the main processes that affect the composition of groundwater in a karstic aquifer, a hydrogeochemical and isotopic study was carried out of water from numerous observation wells located in Sierra de Gador, a semiarid region in SE Spain. Several natural and anthropogenic tracers were used to calculate groundwater residence time within this complex aquifer system. Analysis of major ions enabled the principal geochemical processes occurring in the aquifer to be established, and the samples were classified into four distinctive solute groups according to this criterion. Dissolution of carbonate rocks determines the chemical composition of less mineralized water. In another group, the concurrent dissolution of dolomite and precipitation of calcite in gypsum-bearing carbonate aquifer, where the dissolution of relatively soluble gypsum controls the reaction, are the dominant processes. Marine intrusion results in highly mineralized waters and leads to base exchange reactions. The groundwater enrichment of minor and trace elements allowed classification of the samples into two classes that are linked to different flow patterns. One of these classes is influenced by a slow and/or deep regional flow, where the temperature is generally elevated. The influence of sulphate reduces by up to 40 % the barium concentration due to the barite precipitation. Isotope data (T, ¹⁴C) confirm the existence of recent local flows, and regional flow system, and ages of ground water may reach 8000 years. The importance of gypsum dissolution in this aquifer is proved by the δ³⁴S content.     

Applying a modified conduit flow process to understand conduit-matrix exchange of a karst aquifer

Due to the high heterogeneity and complexity of water flow movement for multiple karst water-bearing mediums,the evaluation,effective development,and utilization of karst water resources are significantly limited.Matrix flow is usually laminar,whereas conduit flow is usually turbulent.The driving mechanisms of water exchange that occur between the karst conduit and its adjacent matrix are not well understood.This paper investigates the hydrodynamic characteristics and the mechanism of flow exchange in dual water-bearing mediums(conduit and matrix)of karst aquifers through laboratory experimentation and numerical simulation.A karst aquifer consisting of a matrix network and a conduit was proposed,and the relationship between the water exchange flux and hydraulic head differences generated from the laboratory experiments was analyzed.Two modes of experimental tests were performed with different fixed water level boundaries in the laboratory karst aquifer.The results indicate that the water exchange capacity was proportional to the square root of hydraulic head differences.The linear exchange term in the conduit flow process(CFP)source program was modified according to experimental results.The modified CFP and the original CFP model experimental data results were compared,and it was found that the modified CFP model had better fitting effects.These results showed that the water exchange mechanism between conduit and matrix is very important for solid-liquid interface reaction,water resource evaluation,and understanding of karst hydrodynamic behavior.     

分布式水文模型在岩溶地区的改进与应用研究

在我国西南岩溶峰林地区,碳酸盐岩岩溶的强烈发育使含水层空间结构具有高度非均质性,加之表层岩溶带对降雨入渗的影响,导致传统的含水层高度概化的水文模型难以定量刻画地表水对地下水的补给过程。文章在开源的SWAT（土壤和水评估工具）模型基础上,通过改进土壤水及地下水模块,刻画水分经表层岩溶带以慢速流和快速流的方式进入含水层的过程,分别以活塞式推进方式及以捷径式入流方式进入浅层含水层,构建了适应于岩溶地区的分布式水文模型。以桂林市漓江流域为例,在碳酸盐岩和碎屑岩交叉分布的流域建立水文模型,并对构建的模型进行率定与验证,结果表明:与原模型径流模拟相比,本文构建的模型较好体现了表层岩溶带的调蓄作用,改善了各水文站枯水期模拟较差的情况（其中潮田站纳什系数由0.78提高到0.92,决定系数由0.85提高到0.92,比改进前有明显提高）;改进后的模型能适用于碎屑岩与碳酸盐岩分布不均的岩溶流域水分循环模拟。     

A regional-scale groundwater flow model for the Leon-Chinandega aquifer,Nicaragua

Groundwater flow in the Leon-Chinandega aquifer was simulated using transient and steady-state numerical models. This unconfined aquifer is located in an agricultural plain in northwest Nicaragua. Previous studies were restricted to determining groundwater availability for irrigation, overlooking the impacts of groundwater development. A sub-basin was selected to study the groundwater flow system and the effects of groundwater development using a numerical groundwater flow model (Visual MODFLOW). Hydrological parameters obtained from pumping tests were related to each hydrostratigraphic unit to assign the distribution of parameter values within each model layer. River discharge measurements were crucial for constraining recharge estimates and reducing the non-uniqueness of the model calibration. Steady-state models have limited usefulness because of the major variation of recharge and agricultural pumping during the wet and dry seasons. Model results indicate that pumping induces a decrease in base flow, depleting river discharge. This becomes critical during dry periods, when irrigation is highest. Transient modeling indicates that the response time of the aquifer is about one hydrologic year, which allows the development of management strategies within short time horizons. Considering further development of irrigated agriculture in the area, the numerical model can be a powerful tool for water resources management.     

A groundwater flow model for overexploited basaltic aquifer and Bazada formation in India

Recent changes in land use practices, such as increase in orange orchards in central India, has put undue pressure on the groundwater resources. Excess withdrawal from the aquifers has resulted in groundwater table decline. The stage of groundwater development in some watersheds has reached 155.85 %, converting these into overexploited watersheds. In the present research paper, a groundwater flow model has been developed to evaluate the groundwater system in a basaltic terrain with Bazada formation. A conceptual model has been developed and calibrated for steady and transient states and the sensitivity analysis was carried out. Future predictions, for current scenario where present practices are continued and for scenario with 20 % reduction in groundwater draft have been made, to select the best strategy for mitigating the problem. The modeling results show that the decline in groundwater level in basaltic and Bazada unconfined aquifers will result into drying up (water level more than 15 m bgl) of 243 km² area by 2020. To restore the groundwater level, it is simulated that the groundwater draft rate must be reduced by 20 % for next 10 years. It may be achieved by adopting groundwater management strategies, particularly for irrigation sector.     

Contamination risk and drinking water protection for a large-scale managed aquifer recharge site in a semi-arid karst region,Jordan

Karst aquifers in semi-arid regions are particularly threatened by surface contamination, especially during winter seasons when extremely variable rainfall of high intensities prevails. An additional challenge is posed when managed recharge of storm water is applied, since karst aquifers display a high spatial variability of hydraulic properties. In these cases, adapted protection concepts are required to address the interaction of surface water and groundwater. In this study a combined protection approach for the surface catchment of the managed aquifer recharge site at the Wala reservoir in Jordan and the downstream Hidan wellfield, which are both subject to frequent bacteriological contamination, is developed. The variability of groundwater quality was evaluated by correlating contamination events to rainfall, and to recharge from the reservoir. Both trigger increased wadi flow downstream of the reservoir by surface runoff generation and groundwater seepage, respectively. A tracer test verified the major pathway of the surface flow into the underground by infiltrating from pools along Wadi Wala. An intrinsic karst vulnerability and risk map was adapted to the regional characteristics and developed to account for the catchment separation by the Wala Dam and the interaction of surface water and groundwater. Implementation of the proposed protection zones for the wellfield and the reservoir is highly recommended, since the results suggest an extreme contamination risk resulting from livestock farming, arable agriculture and human occupation along the wadi. The applied methods can be transferred to other managed aquifer recharge sites in similar karstic environments of semi-arid regions.     

南水北调水源在密怀顺水源地回灌的地下水水质变化试验

南水北调水源进京后,部分水源计划将进入密怀顺水源地回补严重亏损的地下水。水源地地下水水质的未来变化引起了人们的关注。本次研究通过开展动态含水层模拟试验,分析了南水北调水源进入含水层过程中地下水水质变化,并利用溶质运移模型,在不考虑吸附、降解等水岩相互作用等条件下,模拟了试验土柱中各常规组分的水质变化。研究表明:南水北调水源进入含水层过程中,对地下水水质的稀释作用占主导地位,其它水岩相互作用对地下水水质的影响程度较小,南水北调水源在密怀顺水源地回补地下水是可行的。为此,南水北调水源回补地下水后,不仅能够涵养并增加水源地的地下水资源,而且能够改善地下水水质,保证水源地的供水安全。     

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.     

A three-dimensional particle finite element model for simulating soil flow with elastoplasticity

Acta Geotechnica - Soil flow is involved in many earth surface processes such as debris flows and landslides. It is a very challenging task to model this large deformational phenomenon because of...     

岩溶区多重介质水流模型研究进展

数值模拟技术广泛应用于地下水资源评价工作中,为水资源合理开发利用提供科学依据。本文针对岩溶区的数值模拟技术展开研究,综述了岩溶区地下水流建模技术的主要方法和研究进展,介绍了SWMM模型、UGRFLOW模型、CAVE模型、CFP模型等多重介质模型的建模方式和运行原理。岩溶区地下水赋存介质复杂,管道、裂隙和空隙多重介质并存,水流特征多样,等效连续介质模型不能很好地刻画岩溶区复杂的地下水流特征。随着对岩溶水流系统研究的深入,二重和三重介质模型逐渐应用于岩溶区地下水流模拟工作中,取得较好成果,但仍存在如忽略中宽裂隙的导水作用、岩溶管道设置单一、模型适用性不强等问题。今后应从解析岩溶含水介质的结构特征入手,关注中宽裂隙在地下水流系统中的导水作用和水流特征,改进管道流模块以更好地刻画复杂的地下河管道,改进不同介质间水流交换量算法,提高模型精确性和适用性。      

Postaudit evaluation of conceptual model uncertainty for a glacial aquifer groundwater flow and contaminant transport model

Numerical groundwater flow and contaminant transport modeling incorporating three alternative conceptual models was conducted in 2005 to assess remedial actions and predict contaminant concentrations in an unconfined glacial aquifer located in Milford, Michigan, USA. Three alternative conceptual models were constructed and independently calibrated to evaluate uncertainty in the geometry of an aquitard underlying the aquifer and the extent to which infiltration from two manmade surface water bodies influenced the groundwater flow field. Contaminant transport for benzene, cis-DCE, and MTBE was modeled for a 5-year period that included a 2-year history match from July 2003 to May 2005 and predictions for a 3-year period ending in July 2008. A postaudit of model performance indicates that predictions for pumping wells, which integrated the transport signal across multiple model layers, were reliable but unable to differentiate between alternative conceptual model responses. In contrast, predictions for individual monitoring wells with limited screened intervals were less consistent, but held promise for evaluating alternative hydrogeologic models. Results of this study suggest that model conceptualization can have important practical implications for the delineation of contaminant transport pathways using monitoring wells, but may exert less influence on integrated predictions for pumping wells screened over multiple numerical model layers.     

Rapid biotic molecular transformation of fulvic acids in a karst aquifer

The study of molecular transformation processes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the environment significantly contributes to a better understanding of the global biogeochemical organic matter cycle. In an oxic karst groundwater system, in which the most powerful abiotic DOC degradative reactions, photodegradation and metal-mediated redox chemistry, are at best marginal contributors, a near complete turnover of fulvic acids (FAs) has been observed within decades (∼60 years). Depletion of oxygen for a very extensive range of aliphatic and aromatic carbon chemical environments has been confirmed as well as the formation of novel classes of compounds, suggesting a major contribution from biotic processes. From these results we infer that FAs must be perceived as a rather active participant in the global carbon cycle. Molecular-level alterations of such magnitude and rapidity on such short-time scales ought to be considered as widespread in the processing of “refractory” DOC in the environment.