Experiences with aquifer testing and analysis in fractured low-permeability sedimentary rocks exhibiting nonradial pumping response
Multiple-well aquifer pumping tests have been used successfully to measure the bulk hydraulic properties of limestone and shale formations of the Conasauga Group of East Tennessee and to define directional components in transmissivity associated with joints and small-scale folds. This experience demonstrates that multiple-well pumping tests can be used to measure the characteristics of low-permeability fractured rocks, and it illustrates the application of data interpretation techniques that are based on models of nonradial aquifer pumping response. Analytical models that have been used to interpret pumping test data include models for simple anisotropic response and for complex pumping response in an anisotropic aquifer intersected by a single high-conductivity vertical fracture. Comparisons of results obtained using nonradial flow methods with those obtained using traditional (radial flow) analytical methods indicate that the error from radial flow methods is generally less than an order of magnitude, an insignificant error in most low-permeability settings. However, the nonradial flow methods provide much more information on structural controls on groundwater movement. Special challenges encountered in conducting aquifer pumping tests in this hydrogeologic environment include selecting a pumping rate that can be sustained after fracture storage is depleted and laying out a test configuration that is consistent with the test geometry required by the nonradial flow interpretive models. Effective test design and data interpretation thus require extensive insight into site geology.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA); Vaughan (Nancy D.), Beaufort, NC (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 6027994
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-850101-6; ON: DE85007564
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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AQUIFERS
CARBONATE ROCKS
GEOLOGIC FRACTURES
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
LIMESTONE
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
OAK RIDGE RESERVATION
PERMEABILITY
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
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US DOE
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS