Title: A Multi-scale Approach to Characterising the Spatial Variability of Aquifer Hydraulic Conductivity
Abstract: The heterogeneous nature of a deep carbonaceous aquifer system is being revealed through the use of a variety of laboratory- and field- based techniques. These include permeametry, indirect estimation from grain- and pore-size distributions, and aquifer pump testing. Spatial variability in aquifer properties can be demonstrated by the three orders of magnitude variation in hydraulic conductivity (K) measured. The aquifer test by pumping estimated the depth-averaged K to be five times greater than the largest value measured from laboratory permeameter test from core samples. Comparisons amongst the laboratory methods have been drawn, and issues requiring further investigation identified. Finally, a new approach to determine the permeability of undisturbed core samples in any orientation under in situ stresses has arisen from this work. Spatial variability in aquifer properties has implications for a number of transport-related issues, with the migration and mixing of injected solute illustrated here through the use of a numerical model. Research is continuing at this field site.
Publication Year: 1999
Publication Date: 1999-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 1
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