Numerical analysis of the hydrogeologic controls in a layered coastal aquifer system, Oahu, Hawaii, USA

 The coastal aquifer system of southern Oahu, Hawaii, USA, consists of highly permeable volcanic aquifers overlain by weathered volcanic rocks and interbedded marine and terrestrial sediments of both high and low permeability. The weathered volcanic rocks and sediments are collectively known as caprock, because they impede the free discharge of groundwater from the underlying volcanic aquifers. A cross-sectional groundwater flow and transport model was used to evaluate the hydrogeologic controls on the regional flow system in southwestern Oahu. Controls considered were: (a) overall caprock hydraulic conductivity; and (b) stratigraphic variations of hydraulic conductivity in the caprock. Within the caprock, variations in hydraulic conductivity, caused by stratigraphy or discontinuities of the stratigraphic units, are a major control on the direction of groundwater flow and the distribution of water levels and salinity. Results of cross-sectional modeling confirm the general groundwater flow pattern that would be expected in a layered coastal system. Groundwater flow is: (a) predominantly upward in the low-permeability sedimentary units; and (b) predominantly horizontal in the high-permeability sedimentary units. Received, October 1996 Revised, August 1997 Accepted, September 1997     

基岩岛屿地下水流场数值模拟研究

岛屿是我国领土的重要组成部分,对国家安全和国防军事意义非凡。岛屿的地下水资源尤为珍贵,地下水流场模拟是研究地下水分布规律的重要手段。水文地质条件复杂、可利用的观测井较少等原因,造成了基岩岛屿水文地质模型概化精度不高、初始条件难以获取等问题。为克服基岩岛屿地下水流场模拟的诸多困难,将珠海外伶仃岛作为研究区,利用数字高程模型数据开展地质地貌建模; 利用探地雷达法、直流电法与地质分析对岛屿进行探测,获取了地层数据; 采用地下水遥感评估法,利用实测井位数据,确定了地下水的初始水位,进而对基岩岛屿地下水流场进行建模; 最终,通过对外伶仃岛地下水流场的数值模拟得出地下水模拟流场图。岛上多个测点的探测水位值与模拟水位相关性较好,其拟合优度R²为0.872 2。由此可见,综合遥感、物探、水文地质手段等技术方法获取的数据,采用地下水模拟软件或程序实现基岩岛屿地下水流场的数值模拟,是基岩岛屿地下水资源研究的一个有效方法。     

Nouveaux éléments sur la structure et le fonctionnement hydrogéologique du plateau basaltique de l'Aubrac (Massif central,France). Première évaluation des potentialités en eau souterraine

In volcanic areas, the quality of the geological data at the various scales is of paramount importance for the estimation of aquifer potentialities and thus for groundwater exploitation. Geological and hydrogeological investigation (synthesis of existing data, field geological observations, reconstruction of the infra-volcanic morphology, stream gauging, field hydrogeology, etc.) have been performed on the 450-km² Aubrac basaltic plateau (Massif Central, France). These results allow us to specify the hydrological structure and functioning of this volcanic plateau that were quite unknown before. It is mainly constituted by the piling up of lava flows resting on a plutonic and metamorphic substratum. This volcanic unit constitutes an aquifer of regional importance whose groundwater resources are currently underexploited. These results allow us to delineate zones and strategies for priority hydrogeological prospecting. To cite this article: P.-Y. Bourlier et al., C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005).     

准噶尔盆地南缘煤系水矿化度对低煤阶煤层气的影响

煤系水矿化度是影响低煤阶煤层气生成、运移和成藏的重要因素之一。以新疆准噶尔盆地南缘地区为研究区,把研究区划分为8个水文地质单元,分析了研究区煤系水矿化度的分布特征及其对产甲烷菌生存的影响。以1 000 m埋深为例,估算了各个水文地质单元内煤系水的甲烷溶解度,据此分析评价了各水文地质单元溶解运移甲烷的能力。通过煤系水的矿化度分布、氯离子浓度和区域地质构造形态分析,综合判断区域内煤系水的大致流向。以准南地区硫磺沟水文地质单元为例,探讨了矿化度与煤层气富集成藏的关系。研究结果表明,研究区矿化度分布具有南北分带、东西分段的特征。后峡水文地质单元、玛纳斯河-呼图壁河水文地质单元的南部、硫磺沟水文地质单元的南端和阜康水文地质单元的西部地区矿化度有利于产甲烷菌的生存和产气。后峡水文地质单元溶解运移甲烷能力最强。地下水的流向大致由南向北,地表水的径流会使地下水流向发生偏转。指出了硫磺沟水文地质单元内高矿化度中心和低水位的汇水洼地是低煤阶煤层气富集成藏的地区。      

The effect of graben structures on the migration of groundwater contaminants at an industrial site

Industrial sites present a challenge to the hydrogeological delineation of pollution sources and their impacts. When large-scale geologic structures such as grabens exist on such sites, these can have a significant impact on the hydrology and water quality distribution. At the site investigated, geophysical techniques, standard hydrogeological approaches and hydrochemical characterisation (with methods such as depth-profiling and isotopes) were used to determine the impact of a graben structure and the hydrogeological properties and consequent water quality distribution. Zones of high conductivity, corresponding with available data, were identified from the geophysical investigation and subsequent pumping tests in the area. Through hydrochemical characterisation, including isotopes, it was determined that the fault zone acts as a barrier for groundwater flow and is thus the reason for the lower levels of pollutants in groundwater beyond this feature. However, the surface water flow is not restricted by these zones, and contributes significantly to the flow and salt loads at the discharge point. The study showed that graben structures are important controls on the movement of contaminants, and that the effect of such geological features on groundwater quality distribution must be investigated using multiple methodologies to construct a feasible conceptual model of the interactions.     

Application of multiple-point geostatistics on modelling groundwater flow and transport in a cross-bedded aquifer (Belgium)

Sedimentological processes often result in complex three-dimensional subsurface heterogeneity of hydrogeological parameter values. Variogram-based stochastic approaches are often not able to describe heterogeneity in such complex geological environments. This work shows how multiple-point geostatistics can be applied in a realistic hydrogeological application to determine the impact of complex geological heterogeneity on groundwater flow and transport. The approach is applied to a real aquifer in Belgium that exhibits a complex sedimentary heterogeneity and anisotropy. A training image is constructed based on geological and hydrogeological field data. Multiple-point statistics are borrowed from this training image to simulate hydrofacies occurrence, while intrafacies permeability variability is simulated using conventional variogram-based geostatistical methods. The simulated hydraulic conductivity realizations are used as input to a groundwater flow and transport model to investigate the effect of small-scale sedimentary heterogeneity on contaminant plume migration. Results show that small-scale sedimentary heterogeneity has a significant effect on contaminant transport in the studied aquifer. The uncertainty on the spatial facies distribution and intrafacies hydraulic conductivity distribution results in a significant uncertainty on the calculated concentration distribution. Comparison with standard variogram-based techniques shows that multiple-point geostatistics allow better reproduction of irregularly shaped low-permeability clay drapes that influence solute transport.     

Coupled hydrogeological and reactive transport modelling of the Simpevarp area (Sweden)

The Simpevarp area is one of the alternative sites being considered for the deep geological disposal of high level radioactive waste in Sweden. In this paper, a coupled regional groundwater flow and reactive solute transport model of the Simpevarp area is presented that integrates current hydrogeological and hydrochemical data of the area. The model simulates the current hydrochemical pattern of the groundwater system in the area. To that aim, a conceptual hydrochemical model was developed in order to represent the dominant chemical processes. Groundwater flow conditions were reproduced by taking into account fluid-density-dependent groundwater flow and regional hydrogeologic boundary conditions. Reactive solute transport calculations were performed on the basis of the velocity field so obtained. The model was calibrated and sensitivity analyses were carried out in order to investigate the effects of heterogeneities of hydraulic conductivity in the subsurface medium. Results provided by the reactive transport model are in good agreement with much of the measured hydrochemical data. This paper emphasizes the appropriateness of the use of reactive solute transport models when water-rock interaction reactions are involved, and demonstrates what powerful tools they are for the interpretation of hydrogeological and hydrochemical data from site geological repository characterization programs, by providing a qualitative framework for data analysis and testing of conceptual assumptions in a process-oriented approach.     

The hydrogeology of the Ballimore region,central New South Wales,Australia: an integrated study

The integrated use of geophysical, geological, hydrogeochemical and hydrogeological data has allowed the development of a plausible conceptual model for groundwater flow in the Ballimore region. A realistic model for this under-explored system could not be derived solely by the use of hydrogeological data. Interpretation of the available datasets indicates that two groundwater systems are active: a regional and a local system. These are separated by a regionally extensive aquiclude. Groundwater flow in the regional groundwater system is controlled by the structural fabric of the Palaeozoic basement rocks. The local groundwater system is restricted to the Permian to Recent sequence of cover rocks. The local groundwater system is subdivided into three cells: the deep, intermediate and shallow cells. Groundwater flow within the deep cell of the local groundwater system is controlled by fracture flow. Groundwaters from this aquifer are under artesian pressure and are effervescent (CO₂-gas). The intermediate cell is a leaky aquitard that acts as a mixing zone between the deep and shallow cells. Groundwater flow within the shallow cell is controlled by the influx of surface waters which migrate laterally through permeable beds.     

滇东南岩溶区找水打井经验——以云南省广南县珠琳地区为例

以1996-2012年期间抗旱打井实例,总结了找水技术方法、勘查工作流程,提出了滇东南高原斜坡地带岩溶区找水要点:分水岭弱径流带,主要目标是在古溶蚀台面上接近区域分水岭的地段、规模较大的溶蚀洼地中的扬起端寻找浅层岩溶水;缓坡区较强径流带,主要目标是寻找面积较大、产状较平缓的悬托弱透水层之上的滞水型岩溶水;斜坡区强径流带,主要应寻找暗河天窗、竖井中的岩溶水。确定井位应遵循区域调查分析+井位附近详细调查分析的工作程序,必要时配合开展物探准确定位;不宜在排泄区、强径流区、峰丛洼地区、大泉、地下河附近、负地形最低部位布井,物探成果应用须与水文地质调查成果紧密结合。      

The distribution and hydrogeological controls of fluoride in the groundwater of central Ethiopian rift and adjacent highlands

Occurrence of fluoride (F) in groundwater has drawn worldwide attention, since it has considerable impact on human health. In Ethiopia high concentrations of F in groundwaters used for community water supply have resulted in extensive dental and skeletal fluorosis. As a part of a broader study, the distribution of F in groundwater has been investigated, and compared with bedrock geology and pertinent hydrochemical variables. The result indicates extreme spatial variations. High F concentration is often associated with active and sub-active regional thermal fields and acidic volcanics within high temperature rift floor. Variations in F can also be related to changes in calcium concentration resulting from dissolution of calcium minerals and mixing with waters of different chemical composition originated from variable hydrogeological environment across the rift valley. The concentration of F dramatically declines from the rift towards the highlands with the exception of scattered points associated with thermal springs confined in local volcanic centers. There are also interactions of F-rich alkaline lakes and the surrounding groundwater. Meteoric waters recharging volcanic aquifers become enriched with respect to F along the groundwater flow path from highland recharge areas to rift discharge areas. Locally wells drilled along large rift faults acting as conduits of fresh highland waters show relatively lower F. These areas are likely to be possible sources of better quality waters within the rift. The result of this study has important implications on site selection for water well drilling.     

矿区水文地质研究进展及中长期发展方向

矿区水资源保护和矿山防治水这两个互相矛盾又紧密联系的问题给传统的矿山水文地质学带来了更多的挑战和机遇,迫切需要新理论、新技术的发展。为了更好的实现矿区未来地下水资源的开采、利用与保护以及采煤安全和区域水资源可持续利用,本文选择长治盆地为重点研究区,从采动引起的覆岩移动入手,在资料分析的基础上,采用相似材料模拟、综合物探、野外监测、现场注(压)水试验的方法,运用水文地质学原理研究了采煤引起含水层结构变异厚度及其渗透性变化特征;在此基础上,以长治盆地集中开采区水文地质条件和野外监测数据为基础,建立了区域地下水流场三维动态模拟试验台,为研究含水层结构变异后的地下水循环机理和水资源重新分布提供技术支撑;本文同时指出了我国矿山水文地质研究目前存在的问题和面临的挑战,分析了矿山水文地质学科的发展趋势,展望了未来相关分支学科和关键核心技术的发展方向与前景。     

The impact of tunneling construction on the hydrogeological environment of “Tseng-Wen Reservoir Transbasin Diversion Project” in Taiwan

Groundwater flow and the associated surface water flow are potential negative factors on underground tunnels. Early detection of environmental impacts on water resources is of significant importance to planning, design and construction of tunnel projects, as early detection can minimize accidents and project delays during construction. The groundwater modeling software package Groundwater Modeling System (GMS), which supports the groundwater numerical codes MODFLOW and FEMWATER, was utilized to determine the impact of tunneling excavation on the hydrogeological environment in a regional area around the tunnel and a local hot springs area, at the “Tseng-Wen Reservoir Transbasin Diversion Project”, in Taiwan. A hydrogeological conceptual model was first developed to simplify structures related to the site topography, geology and geological structure. The MODFLOW code was then applied to simulate groundwater flow pattern for the hydrogeological conceptual model in the tunnel area. The automated parameter estimation method was applied to calibrate groundwater level fluctuation and hydrogeological parameters in the region. Calibration of the model demonstrated that errors between simulated and monitored results are smaller than allowable errors. The study also observed that tunneling excavation caused groundwater to flow toward the tunnel. No obvious changes in the groundwater flow field due to tunnel construction were observed far away in the surrounding regions. Furthermore, the FEMWATER code for solving 3-D groundwater flow problems, in which hydrogeological characteristics are integrated into a geographic information system (GIS), is applied to evaluate the impact of tunnel construction on an adjacent hot spring. Simulation results indicated that the groundwater drawdown rate is less than the groundwater recharge rate, and the change to the groundwater table after tunnel construction was insignificant for the hot spring area. Finally, the groundwater flow obtained via the GMS indicated that the hydrogeological conceptual model can estimate the possible quantity of tunnel inflow and the impact of tunnel construction on the regional and local groundwater resources regime of the transbasin diversion project.     

A synthetic study of geophysics-based modelling of groundwater flow in catchments with a buried valley

Groundwater models simulating flow in buried valleys interacting with regional aquifers are often based on hydrogeological models interpreted from dense geophysical datasets and scarce borehole data. For three simple synthetic cases, it is demonstrated that alternative methods of inversion of transient electro-magnetic (TEM) data can lead to very different interpretations of the hydrogeology inside and surrounding a buried valley. The alternative interpreted hydrogeological models are used in numerical modelling of groundwater flow to a pumping well. It is demonstrated that the alternative models result in quite different groundwater-model predictions of capture zone, recharge area, and groundwater age for the pumping well. It is briefly demonstrated that model calibration against hydraulic head data is not likely to improve the predictions or to identify the structural error of the interpreted hydrogeological models. It is therefore concluded that when TEM-based resistivity models are interpreted to construct the hydrogeological framework of a groundwater model, it must be done cautiously with support from deep borehole information. Too much reliance on geophysical mapping can lead to seriously wrong hydrogeological models and correspondingly wrong groundwater-model predictions.     

松嫩平原地下水流动模式的环境同位素标记

采用同位素水文学方法并结合传统水文地质方法,识别松嫩平原地下水流动模式。氢氧稳定同位素和地下水年龄分布表明该区地下水流动系统流动模式呈现出局部流、中间流和区域流系统。地下水中氚分布深度指示局部水流系统为现代水循环系统,以垂向运动为主要特征,循环深度一般小于50 m,山前区可达100m以下;区域流系统存在于深部承压含水层,以侧向水平径流为主要运动特征。松辽边界附近的环境同位素特征存在明显的差别,指示天然状态下可视为零通量边界。同位素示踪剂也反映出嫩江和地下水的相互作用关系,在齐齐哈尔以北,江水补给地下水;在齐齐哈尔以南,地下水向嫩江排泄。     

贵州福泉骆子田勘查区水文地质特征及充水因素浅析

贵州是全国煤矿水文地质类型复杂和极复杂矿井数量最多的省份之一,以贵州福泉骆子田勘查区为研究对象,通过该勘查区水文地质特征以及充水因素浅析,得出该勘查区水文地质类型,为今后水文地质工作重点勘查奠定了基础,同时为处周边水文地质相似矿井充水防治起到指导作用。     

Parametrical landslide modeling for the hydrogeological susceptibility assessment: from the Crati Valley to the Cavallerizzo landslide (Southern Italy)

The article deals with a tool for landslides susceptibility assessment as a function of the hydrogeological setting at different scales. The study has been applied to a test area located in Southern Italy. First, a 3D groundwater flow model was implemented for a large-scale area. The simulation of several groundwater conditions compared with the landslide activity map allows drawing a hydrogeological susceptibility map. Then, a slope scale analysis was carried out for the Cavallerizzo landslide. For this purpose, a 2D groundwater parametrical modeling was coupled with a slope stability analysis; the simulation was carried out by changing the values of the main hydrogeological parameters (recharge, groundwater supply level, etc.). The results enabled to connect the slope instability to some hydrogeological characteristics that are easy to survey and to monitor (e.g., rainfall, piezometrical level, and spring discharge), pointing out the hazard thresholds with regards to different triggering phenomena.     

地下水化学动力学法在大庆前进水源地求参中的应用

大庆前进水源地自20世纪80年代运行以来,随着开采活动的加剧,地下水系统状态已发生改变,水资源重新评价势在必行。依据已有水文地质和水质分析资料,运用地下水化学动力学理论和方法,通过水化学指标（组分活度α、矿物饱和指数β）的计算分析,结合有限的抽水试验资料,分区计算出渗透系数K、导水系数T、地下水实际流速U、渗透速度V和地下水年龄t等5项水文地质参数,定量的认识水文地质条件,认证了水源地泰康组承压含水层具有渗透性强、导水性强、地下水循环交替快、可更新能力强等特点。不仅为地下水资源评价提供了参数,也为水源地持续合理地开发管理提供了定量依据。     

Simulation of groundwater flow and contaminant transport at a landfill site using models

Numerical and analytical modelling studies were conducted for the analysis of groundwater flow and contaminant transport at the Innisfil landfill site in the Town of Innisfil, County of Simcoe, in Ontario, Canada. Previously conducted field studies categorized the upper stratigraphy at the site into three units: upper sand unit, upper silt/clay unit and Intermediate Sand unit. Essentially horizontal groundwater movement in the two sand units and vertical downward flow in the silt/clay unit were reported by the field hydrogeologists. In the following, application of three computer models (FLOWPATH, USGS MOC and POLLUTE) for the simulation of the groundwater flow and contaminant transport processes at the Innisfil landfill site is described. The paper focuses on the calibration of groundwater flow and contaminant transport systems, and demonstrates how the insight gained during the contaminant transport calibration was used to improve the initial groundwater flow characterization of the hydrogeological system.     

Conceptual hydrogeological model of volcanic Easter Island (Chile) after chemical and isotopic surveys

Most human activities and hydrogeological information on small young volcanic islands are near the coastal area. There are almost no hydrological data from inland areas, where permanent springs and/or boreholes may be rare or nonexistent. A major concern is the excessive salinity of near-the-coast wells. Obtaining a conceptual hydrogeological model is crucial for groundwater resources development and management. Surveys of water seepages and rain for chemical and environmental isotope contents may provide information on the whole island groundwater flow conditions, in spite of remaining geological and hydrogeological uncertainties. New data from Easter Island (Isla de Pascua), in the Pacific Ocean, are considered. Whether Easter Island has a central low permeability volcanic “core” sustaining an elevated water table remains unknown. Average recharge is estimated at 300–400 mm/year, with a low salinity of 15–50 mg/L Cl. There is an apron of highly permeable volcanics that extends to the coast. The salinity of near-the-coast wells, >1,000 mg/L Cl, is marine in origin. This is the result of a thick mixing zone of island groundwater and encroached seawater, locally enhanced by upconings below pumping wells. This conceptual model explains what is observed, in the absence of inland boreholes and springs.     

Groundwater flow model of the Pipiripau watershed, Federal District of Brazil

In order to understand the groundwater dynamics and to improve the management of water resources in the Federal District of Brazil, this research proposes a 3D groundwater flow model to represent the groundwater level and flow system. The selected test site was the Pipiripau catchment. The development of the model was based on available geological, hydrogeological, geomorphological, climatological and pedological data. Geological and hydrogeological data were used to generate the 3D groundwater flow model. The 3D mesh elements of the domain were generated through the Groundwater Modeling System software, based on the logs of the well materials. The numerical simulation of the finite element method was implemented in the framework of the scientific software OpenGeoSys. With the 3D mesh-appropriated boundary conditions, annual average infiltration data and hydrogeological parameters were incorporated. Afterwards, the steady-state model was calibrated by the PEST software using available data of the water level from wells. The results showed the distribution of the steady-state hydraulic heads in the model domain, where the highest values occurred in the east and west recharge areas and the lowest values were found in the southwest of the basin. The results of this study can be a used as initial condition for the transient groundwater flow simulation and to provide a scientific basis for water resource management.