Density-dependent solute transport in discretely-fractured geologic media: is prediction possible?

摘要

The development of a dense solute plume in a fractured geologic medium can be highly irregular due to both the complexity of the fracture network as well as the presence of convection cells that may arise as a result of the density contract between the invading solute and the ambient groundwater. A two-dimensional numerical model has been developed here to investigate density-dependent groundwater flow and solute transport in geologic materials that contain discrete fractures in order to examine some of the complex forms into which plumes can evolve, particularly with regard to fracture-matrix interactions.