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.     

巢湖北部地区海相地层黏土矿物特征及其地质意义

对巢湖北部地区以碳酸盐岩为主的寒武系—下三叠统海相地层的黏土矿物分析及伊利石结晶度测定的结果表明:伊利石是本区海相地层的主体矿物,平均体积分数为73%。黏土矿物的成岩转化特征表现为蒙皂石的伊利石化。按照伊利石结晶度的成岩-浅变质程度划分,本区寒武系—下三叠统的成岩作用已达到最高成岩阶段。伊利石结晶度的纵向变化总体上可分为上、下两部分:下部寒武系至志留系的结晶度为0.41～0.60°Δ2θ,结晶度与埋深具有一定的相关性,成岩作用是下部地层黏土矿物特征的主控因素;上部泥盆系至下三叠统的结晶度为0.45～0.77°Δ2θ,呈波动变化,蒙皂石连续出现,地层没有被显著埋藏,沉积因素是上部地层黏土矿物特征的主控因素。下三叠统地层中蒙皂石的分布特征以及上泥盆统五通组顶部高岭石的普遍富集具有重要的古气候研究意义。     

Evidence of quaternary transtensional tectonics in the Nekor basin (NE Morocco)

The geodynamic processes in the western Mediterranean are driven by both deep (mantle) processes such as slab‐rollback or delamination, oblique plate convergence and inherited structures. The present‐day deformation of the Alboran Sea and in particular the Nekor basin area is linked to these coeval effects. The seismically active Nekor basin is an extensional basin formed in a convergent setting at the eastern part of the Rif Chain whose boundaries extend both onshore and offshore Morocco. We propose a new structural model of the Nekor basin based on high‐resolution offshore data compiled from recent seismic reflection profiles, swath bathymetry acquisitions and industrial seismic reflection profiles. The new data set shows that the northern limit of the basin is oriented N49° with right‐stepping faults from the Bousekkour–Aghbal fault to the sinistral Bokkoya fault zone. This pattern indicates the presence of an inherited left‐lateral basement fault parallel to the major inherited Nekor fault. This fault has been interpreted as a Quaternary active left‐lateral transfer fault localized on weak structural discontinuities inherited from the orogenic period. Onshore and offshore active faults enclose a rhombohedral tectonic Nekor Basin. Normal faults oriented N155° offset the most recent Quaternary deposits in the Nekor basin, and indicate the transtensional behaviour of this basin. The geometry of these faults suggests a likely rollover structure and the presence at depth of a crustal detachment. Inactive Plio‐Quaternary normal faults to the east of the Ras Tarf promontory and geometries of depocentres seem to indicate the migration of deformation from east to west. The local orientations of horizontal stress directions deduced from normal fault orientations are compatible with the extrusion of the Rifian units and coherent with the westward rollback of the Tethyan slab and the localization of the present‐day slab detachment or delamination.