Observation and three-dimensional simulation of chloride plumes in a sandy aquifer under forced-gradient conditions

Journal Article · Fri Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · Water Resources Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/95WR01947· OSTI ID:115216

Yeh, T C.J. ^[1]; Mas-Pla, J ^[2]; Williams, T M ^[3]

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1. Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (United States)
2. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Spain)
3. Clemson Univ., Georgetown, SC (United States); and others

Two-well, forced-gradient tracer experiments over a distance of 5 m were carried out in a coastal sandy aquifer at Georgetown, South Carolina. The evolution of three-dimensional chloride plumes during two tracer experiments was observed. A three-dimensional finite element model for flow and transport was used with extensive hydraulic conductivity data obtained from slug tests to assess our ability to predict solute transport in the aquifer. Results showed that our predictive ability is limited to the bulk behavior of the plumes, which is mainly controlled by some {open_quotes}significant{close_quotes} heterogeneities. In addition, hydraulic conductivity values estimated by the Hvorslev method for analysis of slug tests best represented the hydraulic conductivity distribution of the sandy aquifer. Finally, the results of a long-term experiment illustrate the importance of temporal variability in boundary conditions in the prediction of solute transport in aquifers. 30 refs., 17 fig., 2 tabs.

• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400; FG02-91ER61199
• OSTI ID: 115216
• Journal Information: Water Resources Research, Journal Name: Water Resources Research Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 31; ISSN 0043-1397; ISSN WRERAQ
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
AQUIFERS
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
CHLORIDES
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FLOW MODELS
HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY
PLUMES
SOLUTES
SOUTH CAROLINA
TRACER TECHNIQUES