Cross-borehole flow analysis to characterize fracture connections in the Melechov Granite, Bohemian-Moravian Highland, Czech Republic

Application of the cross-borehole flow method, in which short pumping cycles in one borehole are used to induce time-transient flow in another borehole, demonstrated that a simple hydraulic model can characterize the fracture connections in the bedrock mass between the two boreholes. The analysis determines the properties of fracture connections rather than those of individual fractures intersecting a single borehole; the model contains a limited number of adjustable parameters so that any correlation between measured and simulated flow test data is significant. The test was conducted in two 200-m deep boreholes spaced 21?m apart in the Melechov Granite in the Bohemian-Moravian Highland, Czech Republic. Transient flow was measured at depth stations between the identified transmissive fractures in one of the boreholes during short-term pumping and recovery periods in the other borehole. Simulated flows, based on simple model geometries, closely matched the measured flows. The relative transmissivity and storage of the inferred fracture connections were corroborated by tracer testing. The results demonstrate that it is possible to assess the properties of a fracture flow network despite being restricted to making measurements in boreholes in which a local population of discrete fractures regulates the hydraulic communication with the larger-scale aquifer system.     

Argillization processes at the El Berrocal analogue granitic system (Spain): mineralogy,isotopic study and implications for the performance assessment of radwaste geological disposal

The El Berrocal granite/U-bearing quartz vein (UQV) system has been studied as a natural analogue of a high-level radioactive waste repository. The main objective was to understand the geochemical behaviour of natural nuclides under different physicochemical conditions. Within this framework, the argillization processes related to fracturing and formation of the uranium–quartz vein were studied from a mineralogical and isotopic standpoint in order to establish their temperatures of formation and thus complete the geothermal history of the system. For this purpose, δ¹⁸O values were determined for pure mineral from the unaltered granite and quartz from the uranium–quartz vein, as well as for mixture samples from the hydrothermally altered granite (sericitised granite) and clayey samples from fracture fillings, including the clayey walls of the uranium–quartz vein. The isotopic signature of quartz from the uranium–quartz vein and the monophasic nature of its fluid inclusions led us to conclude that the isotopic signature of water in equilibrium with quartz was approximately in the range from −8.3‰ to −5.7‰ V-SMOV, its temperature of formation being around 85–120 °C. The δ¹⁸O values of pure sericite from the hydrothermally altered granite, calculated by means of the oxygen fraction molar method, indicate that its temperature of formation, in equilibrium with the aforementioned waters, is also in the range from 70 °C to approximately 120 °C. Clays from fracture fillings and clayey walls of the uranium–quartz vein are usually mixtures, in different proportions, of illite, approximately formed between 70 and 125 °C; two generations of kaolinite formed at approximately 90–130 °C and at around 25 °C, respectively; smectite, formed at ≤25 °C; and occasionally palygorskite, formed either between 30 and 45 °C or 19 and 32 °C, depending on the fractionation equation used. These data suggest that sericite from the hydrothermally altered granite, quartz from the uranium–quartz vein, illite and the first generation of kaolinite from the fracture fillings resulted from the same hydrothermal process affecting the El Berrocal granite in relation to fracturing. Under certain physicochemical conditions (T≈100 °C, pH≈8 and log [H₄SiO₄] between −4 and −3), illite and kaolinite can be paragenetic. As a result of weathering processes, smectite was formed from hydrothermal illite and inherited albite under alkaline weathering, while the second generation of kaolinite was formed from smectite, under acid conditions and close to the sulphide-rich uranium–quartz vein. Palygorskite is an occasional mineral formed probably either during the thermal tail of the above-described hydrothermal process or during weathering processes. In both cases, palygorskite must have formed from alkaline Si–Mg-rich solutions. Finally, these data and processes are discussed in terms of natural analogue processes, drawing some implications for the performance assessment of a deep geological radwaste repository (DGRR).     

Stochastic analysis of the effect of heterogeneity and fractures on radionuclide transport in a low-permeability clay layer

Deep low-permeability clay layers are considered as safe environments for disposal of high-level radioactive waste. In Belgium, the Boom Clay is a candidate host rock for deep geological disposal. In this study, we analyze the effects of fractures and spatially variable hydraulic conductivity on radionuclide migration through the clay. Fracture geometry and properties are simulated with Monte Carlo simulation. The heterogeneity of hydraulic conductivity is simulated by direct sequential co-simulation using measurements of hydraulic conductivity and four types of secondary variables. The hydraulic conductivity and fracture simulations are used as input for a transport model. Radionuclide fluxes computed with this heterogeneous model are compared with fluxes obtained with a homogeneous model. The output fluxes of the heterogeneous model differ at most 8% from the homogeneous model. The main safety function of the Boom Clay is thus not affected by the fractures and the spatial variability of hydraulic conductivity.     

From registration to visualization of geological data with MO2GEO: applications of the FieldModule,interpolation methods,and computer visualization

The registration and screen visualization of geological data are basic steps in modelling of 3D structures and geoscientific processes. Therefore, a standardized coding of geological field observations is reasonable to enable an independent modelling approach. The field module of MO2GEO provides diverse standards for data coding and was tested in the frame of a mapping project. The visualization of profiles and the construction of cross-sections improve the database for a variety of interpolation methods. The subsequently developed 3D models, constructed with diverse modelling tools, can be visualized and serve as the base for diverse applied scientific projects.     

Carbonatation processes at the El Berrocal natural analogue granitic system (Spain): inferences from mineralogical and stable isotope studies

The El Berrocal granite/U-bearing quartz vein system has been studied as a natural analogue of a high-level radioactive waste repository. The main objective is to understand the geochemical behaviour of natural radionuclides occurring under natural conditions. In this framework, the carbonatation processes have been studied from a mineralogical and isotopic ( and ) point of view, since carbonate anions are powerful complexing agents for U(VI) under both low-temperature hydrothermal and environmental conditions. The carbonatation processes in the system are identified by the presence of secondary ankerite, with minor calcite, scattered in the hydrothermally altered granite, and Mn calcite in fracture filling materials. The isotopic signatures of these carbonates lead us to conclude that ankerite and calcite from the former were formed at the end of the same hydrothermal process that altered the granite, at a temperature range of between 72° and 61°C for ankerite, and between 52° and 35°C for calcite. The effect of edaphic CO₂ on both carbonates, greater on calcite than on ankerite, is demonstrated. Calcites from fracture fillings are, at least, binary mixtures, in different proportions, of hydrothermal calcite, formed between 25° and <100°C, and supergenic calcite, formed at ≤25°C. According to their signatures, the effect of edaphic CO₂ in both calcites is also evident. It is assumed that: (i) hydrothermal calcite from fracture fillings and ankerite from the hydrothermally altered granite are the result of the same hydrothermal process, their chemical differences being due to the intensity of the water/rock interaction which was stronger in the altered granite than in the fractures; and (ii) all of these carbonatation processes are responsible for ancient and recent migration/retention of uranium observed in the hydrothermally altered granite and fracture fillings.     

随机与确定耦合的裂隙岩体结构面三维网络模拟

离散裂隙随机网络模型中结构面的分布特征仅代表其统计规律,并非地质成因、结构模式、构造形迹的客观反映,以致后续力学计算及渗流模拟结果可信度偏低。针对国家高放废物处置库甘肃北山预选区出露良好的花岗岩体,基于实测结构面统计规律、内在成生关系及水力联系,在前期纯随机模型关键部位修正特征参数,并融入人工辨识的确定结构模式而构建“随机-确定”耦合模型。图形和渗流模拟两种定量检验结果表明：耦合模型结构面数量更接近客观实际,模型准确度提升约48.8%;耦合模型渗流路径与流量较之前更显客观真实,模拟结果与试验数据的接近程度比随机模型大约1/3。另外,不同孔位渗流结果显示：相比于随机结构面,确定性结构面对区域渗流控制作用更加明显,在渗流模拟中扮演更为重要角色。此耦合模型有益于拓宽结构面网络模拟的发展方向。     

Overview of geological and hydrogeological conditions of the Äspö hard rock laboratory site

The site of the underground facility, the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory, was excavated at a depth of 450 m below the island of Äspö and has been extensively investigated by geological, hydrogeological and hydrochemical methods as part of the geoscientific research for disposal of nuclear waste in Sweden. The geological history of the area dates back to 1.85 Ga and is dominated by granitoids belonging to the Trans-Scandinavian Igneous Belt but also includes basic sheets and xenoliths and dikes of fine-grained granite. Seven tectonic episodes, giving rise to fracture mineralization, are recognised. The major discontinuities and fracture zones were characterised from surface investigations before the tunnel construction work started. These structural features were also identified in the tunnel and are, as predicted, the major water conducting features. Sets of open fractures in the NNW–NW and N–S directions and the brittle fine-grained granite are other important water conductors. Groundwater flow modelling shows that the location of Äspö island has a major impact on the current distribution of groundwater salinity due to varying hydraulic/boundary/conditions in the late and post glacial period.     

A methodology to constrain the parameters of a hydrogeological discrete fracture network model for sparsely fractured crystalline rock,exemplified by data from the proposed high-level nuclear waste repository site at Forsmark,Sweden

The large-scale geological structure of the crystalline rock at the proposed high-level nuclear waste repository site at Forsmark, Sweden, has been classified in terms of deformation zones of elevated fracture frequency. The rock between deformation zones was divided into fracture domains according to fracture frequency. A methodology to constrain the geometric and hydraulic parameters that define a discrete fracture network (DFN) model for each fracture domain is presented. The methodology is based on flow logging and down-hole imaging in cored boreholes in combination with DFN realizations, fracture connectivity analysis and pumping test simulations. The simulations suggest that a good match could be obtained for a power law size distribution where the value of the location parameter equals the borehole radius but with different values for the shape parameter, depending on fracture domain and fracture set. Fractures around 10–100 m in size are the ones that typically form the connected network, giving inflows in the simulations. The report also addresses the issue of up-scaling of DFN properties to equivalent continuous porous medium (ECPM) bulk flow properties. Comparisons with double-packer injection tests provide confidence that the derived DFN formulation of detailed flows within individual fractures is also suited to simulating mean bulk flow properties and their spatial variability.     

High‐resolution conceptual hydrogeological model of complex basaltic volcanic islands: a Mayotte,Comoros, case study

We present a high‐resolution conceptual hydrogeological model for complex basaltic volcanic islands based on Mayotte Island in the Comoros. Its geological structure and hydrogeological functioning are deduced from a large dataset: geological mapping, geophysics, some forty new boreholes, piezometric data, hydraulic conductivity, hydrochemical data, etc. We describe previously unknown deep cut‐and‐fill palaeovalleys. The resulting conceptual geological and hydrogeological model of the island is very different from the Hawaiian model, in that it lacks a low‐elevation basal aquifer and dyke‐impounded high‐level aquifers. It is closer to the Canary Islands model, which has, however, not yet been described at a high‐resolution scale. It does not have a continuous aquifer, but rather a discontinuous succession of perched aquifers separated by aquicludes and aquitards. This results more from the complex geological structure of the island, which has experienced several phases of volcanism, erosion and weathering, than from its age, but is also a result of the high‐resolution scale of the model. High‐resolution conceptual modelling is now necessary to solve problems of applied geology and hydrogeology.     

Integration of Tracer Test Data to Refine Geostatistical Hydraulic Conductivity Fields Using Sequential Self-Calibration Method

On the basis of local measurements of hydraulic conductivity,geostatistical methods have been found to be useful in heterogeneity characterization of a hydraulic conductivity field on a regional scale. However,the methods are not suited to directly integrate dynamic production data,such as,hydraulic head and solute concentration,into the study of conductivity distribution. These data,which record the flow and transport processes in the medium,are closely related to the spatial distribution of hydraulic conductivity. In this study,a three-dimensional gradient-based inverse method-the sequential self-calibration (SSC) method-is developed to calibrate a hydraulic conductivity field,initially generated by a geostatistical simulation method,conditioned on tracer test results. The SSC method can honor both local hydraulic conductivity measurements and tracer test data. The mismatch between the simulated hydraulic conductivity field and the reference true one,measured by its mean square error (MSE),is reduced through the SSC conditional study. In comparison with the unconditional results,the SSC conditional study creates the mean breakthrough curve much closer to the reference true curve,and significantly reduces the prediction uncertainty of the solute transport in the observed locations. Further,the reduction of uncertainty is spatially dependent,which indicates that good locations,geological structure,and boundary conditions will affect the efficiency of the SSC study results.     

基于数字地球平台的地质钻孔三维模拟与可视化

研究了地质钻孔信息的管理和可视化技术,提出了一种在数字地球平台中进行城市钻孔信息模拟和可视化的方法。该方法基于一个统一的钻孔数据库标准,首先将钻探点位信息和地层分层信息组织成具有不同细节层次的钻探点位模型、钻孔分层散点模型和钻孔管段模型,然后构建基于细节层次模型的海量钻孔信息多尺度表达机制,最后将这些模型加载到数字地球平台中进行可视化及查询、分析。在上海市的应用实例显示,该方法实现过程简单、自动性高,生成的模型易于在国际互联网上进行分发、集成与共享。该方法的应用将有助于地质工作者向其他科技人员以及社会公众展示、分发自己拥有的钻孔信息,为以钻孔数据为代表的城市地质信息的社会化服务奠定基础。     

裂隙岩体渗透系数确定方法研究

裂隙岩体渗透系数以及渗透主方向的确定对研究岩体渗透性大小及各向异性具有重要意义。高放废物地质处置库介质岩体的渗透性能将直接影响其使用安全性。本文运用离散裂隙网络模拟的方法对我国高放废物处置库甘肃北山预选区3#钻孔附近裂隙岩体进行了渗透性质分析。通过对3#钻孔171.5~178.0m段压水试验数据的反演,标定了离散裂隙网络渗流模型中的裂隙渗透参数(导水系数T)。利用标定的离散裂隙网络模型对场区裂隙岩体进行了渗流模拟,确定了该区域裂隙岩体的渗流表征单元体(REV)的尺寸大小以及渗透主值和主渗透方向。运用离散裂隙网络模型计算得出的渗透主值的几何均值与现场压水试验计算结果较接近,证明了计算结果的有效性。     

Application of Stochastic Fracture Network with Numerical Fluid Flow Simulations to Groundwater Flow Modeling in Fractured Rocks

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巴彦诺日公地段花岗岩微裂隙发育特征研究

花岗岩是高放射核废料地质处置库的主要围岩之一,其水力学特征优劣直接决定了花岗岩体能否有效地阻隔地下水对处置库中核废物的侵袭。围岩微裂隙结构和化学风化程度是水力学特征的直观表现,微裂隙结构量化和化学风化程度计算对高放射核废料地质处置库埋藏深度的比选有一定的科学意义。本文以阿拉善某600 m的花岗岩钻孔内不同深度的岩芯作为研究对象,得到大量的微裂隙显微照片;通过测网法和图像处理技术,获得岩芯数字化的裂隙空间分布图像,并从中提取了微裂隙特征参数（裂隙条数、隙宽、裂隙率、裂隙面密度参数等）;然后,对微裂隙特征参数进行了统计分析,描述了裂隙空间分布变异性。花岗岩样品的化学风化程度评价指标有:天然含水率、CIA。同时,利用SEM-EDS探测裂隙部位形貌特征及元素含量等数据。最后,对花岗岩完整性与核废料处置库适宜性进行综合评价。通过本研究,得到了以下结论:（1）研究区的花岗岩微裂隙发育情况随深度增大逐渐变弱。（2）花岗岩受外力作用后微裂隙首先发育在石英中,其次是在长石和黑云母中。（3）临近破碎带,裂隙率、平均隙宽、裂隙条数均增大,同时受后期热液填充的影响,CIA也会表现出高值。（4）破碎带的发育,对周边完整岩体的微观破裂影响距离可以超过10.6 m,后期热液对下方完整岩体的侵染蚀变影响距离可以超过50.27 m。（5）通过综合评价,来自该钻孔不同深度的7个样品中,取自地下598.8 m处的样品所代表的位置最适宜作为核废料处置库深埋区。     

Smoothing and Change Point Detection for Gamma Ray Count Data

Gamma ray detectors are used to measure the natural radioactivity of rocks. For a number of boreholes drilled at a site the gamma ray detector is lowered into each borehole and counts of gamma ray emissions at different depths are recorded as the instrument is gradually raised to ground level. The profile of gamma counts can be informative about the geology at each location. The raw count data are highly variable, and in this paper we describe the use of adaptive smoothing techniques and change point models in order to identify changes in the geology based on the gamma logs. We formulate all our models for the data in the framework of the class of generalized linear models, and describe computational methods for Bayesian inference and model selection for generalized linear models that improve on existing techniques. Application is made to gamma ray data from the Castelreagh Waste Management Centre which served as a hazardous waste disposal facility for the Sydney region between March 1974 and August 1998. Understanding the geological structure of this site is important for further modelling the transport of pollutants beneath the waste disposal area.     

The applicability and limitations of thermodynamic geochemical models to simulate trace element behaviour in natural waters. Lessons learned from natural analogue studies

Natural analogue investigations aim to understand key phenomena and processes in natural systems related to those expected to occur in radioactive waste repositories. One of the key applications of natural analogue studies has been the possibility to test the geochemical models to be used to describe the migration of radionuclides in a future radioactive waste repository system. To this end, several geochemical modelling testing exercises (commonly denoted as blind predictive modelling, BPM) have formed an integral part of these studies over the last decade.

We have reviewed, discussed and compared the results obtained from geochemical modelling BPM exercises carried out within six natural analogue studies: Poços de Caldas, Cigar Lake, Maqarin, El Berrocal, Oklo and Palmottu. To make this comparison meaningful, we present the main geochemical characteristics of each site in order to highlight the most relevant mineralogical and hydrochemical differences. The elements selected for discussion are: Sr, Ba, Sn, Pb, Se, Ni, Zn, REEs, Th and U. We have based our discussion on the results obtained from the calculated aqueous speciation as well as by comparing solubility calculations with the actually observed concentrations.

Results can be differentiated into two categories of elemental behaviour:

1. those elements like Th and U under reducing conditions that can be fairly well described by assuming solubility control exerted by pure solid phases as their oxyhydroxides;

2. elements such as Sr, Zn, REEs and U under oxidising conditions for which the association to major geochemical components of the system must be considered in order to explain their concentrations in groundwaters.

Additionally, we discuss the main improvements made to the thermodynamic databases and the geochemical calculation methodologies due to the BPM exercises. Furthermore, the most important characterisation geochemical data needed to complete predictive solubility and speciation calculations are identified.     

Hydrogeological and geochemical control of the variations of Rn concentrations in a hard rock aquifer: Insights into the possible role of fracture-matrix exchanges

To investigate the possible variations of Rn concentration in crystalline rocks as a function of flow conditions, a field study was carried out of a fractured aquifer in granite. The method is based on the in situ measurement of Rn in groundwater, aquifer tests for the determination of hydraulic characteristics of the aquifer and laboratory measurement of Rn exhalation rate from rocks. A simple crack model that simulates the Rn concentration in waters circulating in a fracture intersecting a borehole was also tested. The Rn concentrations in groundwaters from boreholes of the study site ranged from 192 to 1597 Bq L⁻¹. The Rn exhalation rates of selected samples of granite and micaschist were determined from laboratory experiments. The results yielded fluxes varying from 0.5 to 1.3 mBq m⁻² s⁻¹ in granite and from 0.5 to 0.9 mBq m⁻² s⁻¹ in micaschists. Pumping tests were performed in the studied boreholes to estimate the transmissivity and calculate the equivalent hydraulic aperture of the fractures. Transmissivities ranged from 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻³ m² s⁻¹. Using the cubic law, hydraulic equivalent fracture apertures were calculated to be in the range of 0.5–2.3 mm.     

Development and parameterisation of a complex hydrogeological model based on high-resolution direct-push data

Ongoing developments in geological and hydrogeological investigation techniques, especially direct-push methods, have led to an increase in the quality, density and spatial resolution of data available from such investigations. This has created new challenges in the development of numerical models in terms of accurately and efficiently translating detailed and complex conceptual models into effective numerical models. Suitable geometrical and numerical modelling tools are essential in order to meet these challenges. This paper describes the development of a three-dimensional hydrogeological flow model for a contaminated site near Berlin, Germany, based on high-resolution geological data obtained principally using direct-push methods. The available data were first interpreted to construct a detailed GIS-based geological model, which formed the basis of the conceptual site model. The conceptual model was then translated into a geometrical model, which was used to create a finite element numerical model. An innovative geometry object-based approach enabled the complex structural details of the conceptual model to be accurately reproduced in the numerical model domain. The resulting three-dimensional steady-state unconfined flow model was successfully calibrated using external automated calibration software, whereby parameter values for groundwater recharge and hydraulic conductivity were determined.     

An overview of Task 6 of the Äspö Task Force: modelling groundwater and solute transport: improved understanding of radionuclide transport in fractured rock

An overview is presented of a 4-year study by the Äspö Task Force on Modelling of Groundwater Flow and Transport of Solutes, whose primary aim was to build a bridge between the approaches used for site characterisation (SC) and performance assessment (PA) associated with nuclear waste repositories. Eleven modelling teams representing six national radioactive waste organisations participated in eight modelling exercises whose objectives were: to assess simplifications used in PA models; to determine how, and to what extent, experimental tracer and flow experiments can constrain the range of parameters used in PA models; to support the design of SC programmes to assure that the results have optimal value for PA calculations; and to improve the understanding of site-specific flow and transport behaviour at different scales using SC models. The modelling tasks were concerned with flow and transport through single and multiple near-planar features on SC and PA timescales, including the diffusion of solutes into multiple immobile zones adjacent to fracture surfaces. In general, tracer tests provide only limited quantitative constraints on retention parameter values relevant to PA but nevertheless provide insight about the flow and transport processes, which is a key element of the bridge between SC and PA.