Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Detrimental Effects of Natural Vertical Head Gradients on Chemical and Water Level Measurements in Observation Wells: Identification and Control

Journal Article · · Journal of Hydrology
OSTI ID:806915
It is well known that vertical head gradients exist in natural aquifer systems, and borehole flowmeter data have shown that such gradients commonly set up spontaneous vertical flows in monitoring wells, often called ambient flows. What has not been fully appreciated until recently is the serious detrimental effects such flows can have on solute concentration and hydraulic head measurements in monitoring wells. This communication explores the possibilities of diminishing ambient flows by increasing the hydraulic resistance to vertical flow within monitoring wells and limiting the penetration of such wells. Analyzed also are the surprising effects that vertical gradients may have on the equilibrium water level in a monitoring well. Results are based on collected data, numerical flow simulations, and hydraulic analysis in the near-well vicinity.
Research Organization:
Savannah River Site (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC09-96SR18500
OSTI ID:
806915
Report Number(s):
WSRC-MS-2002-00436
Journal Information:
Journal of Hydrology, Journal Name: Journal of Hydrology
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Similar Records

River-Induced Flow Dynamics in Long-Screen Wells and Impact on Aqueous Samples
Journal Article · Mon Oct 04 00:00:00 EDT 2010 · Ground Water, 49(4):515-524 · OSTI ID:1018162

In-well hydraulics of the electromagnetic borehole flowmeter
Journal Article · Sun Feb 28 23:00:00 EST 1999 · Ground Water · OSTI ID:335338

Electromagnetic Borehole Flowmeter Testing in R-Area
Technical Report · Thu Oct 12 00:00:00 EDT 2000 · OSTI ID:765407