Sensitivity analysis of hydrological parameters in modeling flow and transport in the unsaturated zone of Yucca Mountain, Nevada, USA

The unsaturated fractured volcanic deposits at Yucca Mountain in Nevada, USA, have been intensively investigated as a possible repository site for storing high-level radioactive waste. Field studies at the site have revealed that there exist large variabilities in hydrological parameters over the spatial domain of the mountain. Systematic analyses of hydrological parameters using a site-scale three-dimensional unsaturated zone (UZ) flow model have been undertaken. The main objective of the sensitivity analyses was to evaluate the effects of uncertainties in hydrologic parameters on modeled UZ flow and contaminant transport results. Sensitivity analyses were carried out relative to fracture and matrix permeability and capillary strength (van Genuchten α) through variation of these parameter values by one standard deviation from the base-case values. The parameter variation resulted in eight parameter sets. Modeling results for the eight UZ flow sensitivity cases have been compared with field observed data and simulation results from the base-case model. The effects of parameter uncertainties on the flow fields were evaluated through comparison of results for flow and transport. In general, this study shows that uncertainties in matrix parameters cause larger uncertainty in simulated moisture flux than corresponding uncertainties in fracture properties for unsaturated flow through heterogeneous fractured rock.     

Small scale study of groundwater flow in a fractured carbonate-rock aquifer at the St-Eustache quarry, Québec, Canada

A small-scale hydrogeological study was conducted in a fractured carbonate-rock aquifer located in a quarry to relate groundwater flow to the fracture network. The field study in the St-Eustache quarry, which integrates structural surveys, well logging and hydraulic tests, showed that the most important features that affect groundwater flow in the sedimentary aquifer are high hydraulic conductivity horizontal bedding planes. Vertical fractures are abundant in the quarry and throughout the region, but they have a minor effect on groundwater flow. To have a significant impact on the flow regime and lead to vertical groundwater flow, the permeability of all vertical joints need to be enhanced compared to what was generally observed at the site. Such an increase in permeability could potentially occur where dissolution and fracturing is more intense or at stress release locations such as near the surface in the quarry.     

包气带对三氯乙烯的吸附行为研究

有机污染物在包气带的吸附行为,直接影响有机污染物在环境中的迁移、转化等过程。采用浅层和深层包气带样品,利用批实验的方法研究不同有机碳含量的样品对三氯乙烯(TCE)的吸附行为。研究表明,包气带表层土壤比深层土壤的有机碳含量高,可能存在竞争吸附的问题,说明该土壤的吸附行为是以矿物吸附为主、有机质吸附为辅的类型;表层土壤的吸附具有较好的线性行为,不存在饱和吸附量;深层土壤有机碳含量低,其吸附为非线性的。     

Flowpath structure in a limestone aquifer: multi-borehole logging investigations at the hydrogeological experimental site of Poitiers, France

Since 2002, a new hydrogeological experimental site (HES) has been developed in Poitiers, France. The overall research objective related to this site is to improve the understanding of flow and solute transport in carbonate aquifers. The benchmarking of various types of numerical models against the HES field data is one of the main research projects supported by three national scientific programs. Within this framework, the purpose of this report is to synthesize existing knowledge about both aquifer geology and flowpath structure, based on core analysis and well logging. The combined use of core-hole data, borehole logs and outcrop data provide valuable information about lithostratigraphy and fracturing. The comparison of flow-meter data with borehole images indicates that flowpaths in the HES aquifer are strongly constrained within (1) subhorizontal karstic structures and (2) subvertical fractures. The presence of karstic levels appears to be conditioned by the stratigraphy and are unevenly developed in the HES. The vertical interconnectivity between the three karstic levels seems to result from fractures occurrence in this limestone formation. Following the observations, data and interpretations, a conceptual model of the Dogger aquifer is proposed.

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Résumé  La vocation première du Site Expérimental Hydrogéologique (SEH) de Poitiers, France, est de fournir des données pertinentes-y compris des chroniques ou expériences long terme-pour la caractérisation, la quantification et la modélisation des transferts d’eau et de solutés dans les aquifères carbonatés. Depuis 2002, les investigations menées sur le SEH ont permis de recueillir une importante quantité de données concernant un aquifère calcaire captif de 100 m d’épaisseur. Ces données servent actuellement de support à un exercice de modélisation comparée (benchmark) soutenu par trois programmes scientifiques nationaux. Dans le cadre de ce projet, l’objectif ici est de synthétiser les connaissances actuelles relatives à la géologie et la structure des écoulements dans l’aquifère du Dogger. La structure lithostratigraphique et la fracturation de l’aquifère sont analysées à partir des carottes de forages, des affleurements, et des diagraphies de puits. L’analyse croisée des données de débitmétrie verticale et des imageries de parois des forages indique que les écoulements sont principalement associés à des structures karstiques subhorizontales et des fractures subverticales. Les niveaux karstiques sont irrégulièrement répartis sur le SEH mais apparaissent fortement corrélés avec des niveaux stratigraphiques précis. La connectivité hydraulique des différents niveaux karstiques semble liée à la fracturation des calcaires.

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Resumen  Desde 2002, se desarrolló en Potiers, Francia, un sitio experimental hidrogeológico (SEH). El objetivo general de la investigación relacionada a este sitio es mejorar el entendimiento del flujo y transporte de solutos en acuíferos calcáreos. El punto de referencia de varios tipos de modelos numéricos utilizando los datos del SEH es uno de los principales proyectos de investigación financiados por tres programas científicos nacionales. Dentro de este marco, el propósito de este reporte es sintetizar el conocimiento existente tanto acerca de la geología como de la estructura de los caminos de flujo, basado en el análisis de testigos y perfiles de pozos. El uso combinado de testigos, perfiles de pozos e datos de afloramientos provee información valiosa acerca de la litoestratigrafía y el fracturamiento. La comparación de datos de medidores de flujo con imágenes de pozos indica que los caminos de flujo en el acuífero del SEH están fuertemente condicionados por (1) estructuras cársticas subhorizontales, y (2) fracturas subverticales. La presencia de niveles cársticos pareciera estar condicionada por la estratigrafía y estar desarrollada en forma no igualmente distribuida dentro del SHE. La interconectividad vertical entre tres niveles cársticos sería el resultado de la ocurrencia de fracturas en la formación de las calizas. En base a las observaciones, los datos e interpretaciones, se propone un modelo conceptual del acuífero Dogger.

     

Chemical evolution of acid precipitation in the unsaturated zone of the Pennsylvanian siltstones and shale of central Ohio

The North Appalachian Experimental Watershed in Coshocton, Ohio, USA has recorded average pH of precipitation of 4.7 over a 30-year period. The area lies within the Pennsylvanian siltstones and shale, dominated by aluminosilicates and <5% calcite. A study was conducted to determine the evolution of acid deposition through an unsaturated to saturated zone composed of siltstone and shale in an isolated hill, precluding lateral flow and seepage. The results from water–rock chemical reactions modeled using PHREEQM demonstrate the percolating precipitation water is neutralized to pH 7.5 within the top 1.5 m. The model suggests that, along with calcite, dissolution of albite, illite, and kaolinite are the dominant mechanisms of neutralization. The cation exchange capacity of the siltstone and shale, in the range 54.6–386 meq/100 g, appears to be a function of high organic carbon content of 2.0–3.2%. While cation exchange is responsible for some of the Na⁺ in solution, it is not the primary source of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, or K⁺ ions. Exchange onto clays is occurring, but is secondary to exchange on organic matter. Chemical composition of groundwater perched within a coal seam is controlled by oxidation and dissolution of pyrite, returning pH to approximately 4.0.     

In situ estimation of the effective chemical diffusion coefficient of a rock matrix in a fractured aquifer

An in situ method of estimating the effective diffusion coefficient for a chemical constituent that diffuses into the primary porosity of a rock is developed by abruptly changing the concentration of the dissolved constituent in a borehole in contact with the rock matrix and monitoring the time-varying concentration. The experiment was conducted in a borehole completed in mudstone on the campus of the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Numerous tracer tests were conducted at this site, which left a residual concentration of sodium chloride in boreholes that diffused into the rock matrix over a period of years. Fresh water was introduced into a borehole in contact with the mudstone, and the time-varying increase of chloride was observed by monitoring the electrical conductivity (EC) at various depths in the borehole. Estimates of the effective diffusion coefficient were obtained by interpreting measurements of EC over 34 d. The effective diffusion coefficient at a depth of 36 m was approximately 7.8×10^?6 m²/d, but was sensitive to the assumed matrix porosity. The formation factor and mass flux for the mudstone were also estimated from the experiment.     

Processes controlling acid attenuation in the unsaturated zone of a Triassic sandstone aquifer (U.K.), in the absence of carbonate minerals

Continuous core samples were taken through the unsaturated zone at three sites on the outcrop of Permo-Triassic sandstone in the British West Midlands. Sample sites were chosen for lack of recent, direct anthropogenic disturbance, and for differing vegetation: heathland, birch woodland and conifer forest. Interstitial water was extracted and analyzed for 32 major and trace elements. Solid phases were analyzed for exchangeable cations and mineralogy. The rate of recharge calculated using a Cl mass balance method was three times greater below heathland than below afforested sites owing to higher evapotranspiration rates in the woodlands.Carbonate minerals were absent from the unsaturated zone at each site. Soil solutions were acidic and soils at the woodland sites were more acidic (pH 4.0) than those at the heathland site (pH 4.5). Acidic interstitial water solutions were found to up to 5.0 m depth in the unsaturated zone and are partially neutralized by two aluminosilicate mineral reactions in the unsaturated zone: cation exchange and K-feldspar dissolution. The rate at which these acid neutralizing reactions act to neutralize acidity is revealed by the rate of depletion of base cations from the unsaturated zone in recharge solutions; K⁺ (dissolution), Ca⁺² + Mg⁺² (cation exchange). The total base cation depletion rate was greatest below heathland; this can be attributed mainly to the greater rate of SO₄ assimilation by the woodland biome.     

Electrokinetic remediation of an electroplating site: design and scale-up for an in-situ application in the unsaturated zone

In-situ electrokinetic remediation of contaminated soils requires integrated approaches and adequately engineered setups to control relevant mass fluxes. Based on laboratory findings, this study presents the design of a pilot-scale remediation at an operating electroplating site. The fine-textured soil developed from Jurassic limestone exhibits a chromium, copper, nickel, and zinc contamination down to depths of more than 4 m. The feasibility of an electrokinetic remediation in the unsaturated zone was tested in a lab-scale experiment with subsoil material sampled at the site. The electrodes were placed in water-impermeable, ion-selective membrane wells. This construction allows the necessary watering of the electrodes, maintains unsaturated conditions in the soil compartment, and enables the transfer of contaminant ions into the wells. In addition, the soil is protected from pH changes caused by water electrolysis at the electrodes. The setup includes a watering and drainage system to compensate the electroosmotic water flux and impede desiccation of the anodic region. With a direct current of 70 V and an electric field strength of 2.2 V cm⁻¹, contaminant removal rates amounted up to 27% and 66% (w/w) of the initial zinc/copper and chromium/nickel concentrations. Copper, nickel, and zinc accumulated in the cathode well, while chromate species were enriched in the anode well. Given the successful lab-scale remediation, the pilot plant was designed for the in-situ treatment of a soil volume of 12 m³ below a production hall. A power of 500 V DC at a maximum current of 30 A is supplied by a transformer rectifier. This yields an electric field strength comparable to the lab-scale experiment and thereby similar contaminant transport velocities. A vacuum distillation unit is employed for process water reuse and to control electrolyte conductivity. To cope with chlorine gas generation at the anodes a gas absorber unit is employed. According to the lab-scale results, about 2, 9, 9, and 15 kg zinc, chromium, copper, and nickel, respectively, are expected to be removed from the field plot during an operation time of 10 months.     

Contribution of stable isotopes to the understanding of the unsaturated zone of a carbonate aquifer (Nerja Cave, southern Spain)

We analysed the stable isotopes (¹⁸O and ²H) of rainwater and drip water within a cave (Nerja Cave) located in the unsaturated zone of a carbonate aquifer. Rainfall is more abundant and presents lower isotopic content in winter, while the volume of drip water is greater and its isotopic content is lower in summer. The flow analysis of ¹⁸O through the unsaturated zone confirms the seasonal lag between rainfall and the appearance of drip water in the cave and reveals that the unsaturated zone of the aquifer, in the sector of the cave, behaves like an inertial system with a strong capability to modulate the input signal. To cite this article: F. Carrasco et al., C. R. Geoscience 338 (2006).     

Effects of carbon dioxide variations in the unsaturated zone on water chemistry in a glacial-outwash aquifer

The research site at Otis Air Base, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, has been developed for hydrogeological and geochemical studies of sewage-effluent contaminated ground water since 1982. Research of hydrologic properties, transport, and chemical and biological processes is ongoing, but the origin of background water chemistry has not been determined.The principal geochemical process giving rise to the observed background water chemistry is CO₂-controlled hydrolysis of Na feldspar. Geochemical modeling demonstrated that CO₂ sources could vary over the project area. Analyses of unsaturated zone gases showed variations in CO₂ which were dependent on land use and vegetative cover in the area of groundwater recharge. Measurements of CO₂ in unsaturated-zone gases showed that concentrations of total inorganic C in recharge water should range from about 0.035 to 1.0 mmoles/L in the vicinity of Otis Air Base. Flux of CO₂ from the unsaturated zone varied for 4 principal land uses, ranging from 86 gC/m²/yr for low vegetated areas to 1630 gC/m²/yr for a golf course. Carbon dioxide flux from woodlands was 220 gC/m²/yr, lower than reported fluxes of 500 to 600 gC/m²/yr for woodlands in a similar climate. Carbon dioxide flux from grassy areas was 540 gC/m²/yr, higher than reported fluxes of 230 to 490 gC/m²/yr for grasslands in a similar climate.     

Assessing the impact of modern recharge on a sandstone aquifer beneath a suburb of Doncaster, UK

A major water quality issue in urban areas underlain by a productive aquifer is the impact of modern recharge. Using a variety of sample sources including multi-level boreholes, detectable concentrations of CFCs and SF₆ have been found throughout the upper 50 m of the saturated aquifer beneath a suburb of Doncaster, UK, indicating that modern (<50-year old) recharge has penetrated to at least this depth. Additional support for this deep penetration is provided by the detection of sulphite-reducing clostridia and faecal streptococci. Despite the upper aquifer being a poorly cemented sandstone, the residence time indicators suggest that some modern recharge is travelling via fracture systems in addition to that moving down by simple piston flow. However, the overall impact of 80 years of steady urbanisation on water quality in the aquifer beneath this suburb has in general been limited. This is attributed to a combination of factors including previous land use, dilution by direct recharge of rainfall through green-space areas including gardens, and locally high storage in the friable upper aquifer.     

洛阳市区包气带中污染物自净规律初步研究

包气带是地下水补给和地下水污染的主要通道,因此包气带的性质直接控制了地下水的污染化速度和程度。以洛阳市区洛河河床岩性（以砂砾石为主）以及由亚粘土、亚砂土、中细砂等介质构成的包气带为研究对象,来分析河床和包气带对污染物的自净能力,并对其天然的自净机制进行了简要的分析,结论如下：洛河河床岩性对各种污染物（NO3-除外）的净化能力均达到90％以上;亚粘土、亚砂土、中细砂等包气带介质层对重金属（Cu^2＋、Pb^2＋等）有很强的净化能力,而对Cl、Cr^6＋净化能力则较弱,在短时间内介质中就达到饱和而失去净化能力;在环境条件相近及水文地质条件基本相同的条件下,包气带厚度与地下水的污染程度呈负相关关系;污水经过包气带发生较强的过滤、吸附、离子交换、生物化学降解等作用,能有效地去除污水中的有害物质,防止地下水污染。     

Occurrence of soluble salts and moisture in the unsaturated zone and groundwater hydrochemistry along the middle and lower reaches of the Heihe River in northwest China

Deforestation, over-development of water resources and population growth have contributed to degeneration of vegetation in the Heihe River Basin in northwest China. Salts and water contents are the most important factors affecting the growth of vegetation in this arid area. This study was conducted to determine soluble salt levels of soils in the unsaturated zone and the hydrochemistry of groundwater at 14 sites in this region. Concentrations of soluble ions in the soils deceased with depth. Soil ion contents increased at depths below the root system of native plants. Sulfate was the dominant anion in both the unsaturated zone and the groundwater. Total dissolved solids (TDS) in groundwater ranged from less than 1 g/L in the middle reaches of the watershed to about 10 g/L in the arid lower reaches. In the middle and upper reaches of the watershed, salinity in soil and groundwater decreased. Groundwater was highly variable in hydrochemistry. The lower reaches was predominated by SO₄–Na•Mg and SO₄–Mg•Na type water, whereas in the middle reaches groundwater is characterized by lower TDS and HCO₃-dominated type water. Evapotranspiration is responsible for occurrence of the soluble salts in the soil profiles. Dissolution is the dominant chemical process in the middle reaches, whereas evapotranspiration prevails in the lower reaches of the Heihe River.     

热脉冲式包气带微流速监测系统研究和室内试验

本文介绍了热脉冲式包气带微流速监测系统的原理研究、硬件设计及其标定和室内模拟试验.该监测系统理论上应用了线状热源热传导方程的两个阶段:计算微流速采用的是热传导方程的稳态阶段;计算热导率和土壤含水率用的是方程的非稳态阶段.监测系统前端机的研制着重介绍了硬件设计.室内模拟试验为饱和砂土的室内对比试验,流速值从18～485mm/h.实验结果显示系统的测量值和实际值能很好的吻合.     

Development of a new method for efficiently calculating of evaporation from the phreatic aquifer in variably saturated flow modeling

In this paper, we proposed a new method that has been developed based on the surface soil moisture content (SSMC) to more efficiently calculate the groundwater evaporation in variably saturated flow modeling. In this method, the empirical formula to calculate evaporation was modified and the value of the formula varies from zero to one as a closed interval. In addition, the simulation code for calculating the groundwater evaporation based on the SSMC method was incorporated into the EOS9 module of Tough2, a variably saturated flow modeling code. Finally, two numerical tests and a case simulation were conducted to verify the feasibility and accuracy of the SSMC method. Simulation results indicate that the SSMC method is capable of appropriately simulating the characteristics of water flow in vadose zone and the amount of evaporation with the variable water table. And such results are in coincidence with the value calculated by the logistic function method, and fit well with the measured data globally rather than locally.     

非均质包气带三氮累积转化模拟砂箱试验

为研究包气带非均质结构对氮素迁移转化的影响,采用室内砂箱实验模拟了1.72 mm/h降雨强度下NH₄-N污染非均质包气带的过程。通过观测出水及土壤溶液中NH₄-N、NO₂-N和NO₃-N质量浓度变化,分析探讨了NH₄-N在含有两个亚粘土透镜体的非均质包气带介质中的迁移转化和累积时空分布特征。结果表明：经过89 d物理吸附和微生物作用,出水NH₄-N首先迅速增加然后逐渐减小,而出水NO₃-N含量持续增加,其间NO₂-N出现累积峰,系统最终达到平衡稳定状态;土壤溶液中NH₄-N在两亚粘土透镜体上表面累积较多,NO₃-N和NO₂-N在上透镜体中的累积含量大于下透镜体;而砂槽上部土壤中出现明显的NO₃-N累积,NH₄-N和NO₂-N则在下部土壤和亚粘土透镜体中累积较多。包气带介质质地、粗 细交互结构及降雨淋溶、水分运移对“三氮”的迁移转化和富集有重要影响。     

库车坳陷克拉苏构造带白垩系砂岩埋藏成岩环境的封闭性及其胶结作用分异特征

以库车坳陷克拉苏构造带白垩系巴什基奇克组为研究层段,分别通过层间泥岩硼元素含量和碳酸盐胶结物流体包体显微测温,对不同成岩期地层流体盐度进行示踪对比.由于自沉积初始至埋藏成岩期碳酸盐胶结阶段,研究层段经历一段较为稳定的构造时期,再加上沉积及构造疏导体系的缺失,地层流体始终缺乏大规模交换与改造,不同成岩场之间水-岩体系在这一阶段呈现出一定的封闭性特征,使得研究层段在碳酸盐胶结期孔隙流体盐度时空分异较好地延续了同沉积期水体盐度的分异规律,这种延续性不仅体现在平面上,也体现在垂向上.研究层段在碳酸盐胶结期后经历了强烈的构造活动,但由于断层的封堵并未对流体介质进行有效的疏导,先期形成的碳酸盐胶结分异规律因而未受到明显干扰,从而呈现出同沉积地层水体盐度时空分异特征造就了埋藏成岩期碳酸盐胶结作用的时空分异规律.     

包气带硝酸盐分布的差异性及其形成机理:以正定、栾城为例

在地表等量氮输入条件下,包气带中硝酸盐含量分布是其抗污染能力的直接表征。阐明不同包气带中硝酸盐分布的差异并分析其成因对于评价下覆含水层的硝酸盐污染脆弱性、保护地下水资源免遭硝酸盐污染,具有重要意义。本文基于太行山山前冲洪积扇上栾城和正定两个16m深包气带硝酸盐含量数据,指出两个剖面上包气带中硝酸盐分布特征的差异性。分析研究区的施肥历史、大气降水的入渗补给强度及土壤有机质含量,认为包气带水分运移速度和反硝化能力是导致包气带硝酸盐分布差异的两个关键因素。在分析N同位素测试技术进步的基础上,指出利用同位素技术对包气带中的反硝化能力的定量化研究有望取得新进展。     

某水电站坝基挠曲破碎带工程力学特性试验研究

膝状挠曲破碎带是某水电站坝基的主要工程地质问题。破碎带岩性为完整性较差的碎裂、碎屑软弱砂岩,并呈现孔隙式胶结接触,其工程力学特性对坝基变形和稳定存在巨大影响。基于破碎带砂岩组织结构疏松、含水率较高、物理力学性能较差等特点,首先开展了基本物理特性试验分析,认为岩石微细观结构复杂、渗透特性较好,属小孔隙率砂岩。其次,开展了室内常规和现场力学特性试验研究;最后,在宏观力学参数确定的基础上,探讨了破碎带对工程作用的响应及影响。结果表明,破碎带岩石内部结构破坏严重,矿物成分主要为石英、长石、绢云母等,化学成分以SiO2为主,但化学侵蚀并不显著。常规剪切曲线呈现出明显的4阶段特征,三轴压缩试验破坏机制为塑性剪切破坏,表现出强度低、延性扩容明显、出现屈服平台等特征,且碎裂岩强度略高于碎屑岩;现场试验表明岩体变形均匀,变形模量较低,处于60～630 MPa;地基承载力处于0.8～2.3 MPa。研究成果对该水电站坝基工程有重要的参考价值。     

Permeability upscaling of fault zones in the Aztec Sandstone,Valley of Fire State Park,Nevada, with a focus on slip surfaces and slip bands

The effect of open and filled slip surfaces on the upscaled permeability of two fault zones with 6 and 14 m strike-slip in an eolian Aztec Sandstone, Nevada, USA is evaluated. Each fault zone is composed of several fault components: a fault core, bounded by filled through-going slip surfaces referred to as slip bands, and a surrounding damage zone that contains joints and deformation bands. Slip band geometry, composition, and petrophysical properties are characterized. Measurements and modeling show that slip band permeabilities can vary over 12 orders of magnitude depending on the degree of fill within the slip bands. The slip bands along with other fault zone components are represented in finite volume numerical calculations and the impact of various slip-band representations on upscaled fault zone permeability is tested. The results show 2 orders of magnitude variation in upscaled fault zone permeability in the fault-normal direction and a factor of 2 variation in the fault-parallel direction. The numerical results presented here are compared to the earlier numerical results in which structured Cartesian grids were used for the numerical simulations, and are in qualitative agreement with earlier calculations but use about a factor of 250–400 fewer numerical cells.