Details zur Publikation

Kategorie Textpublikation
Referenztyp Zeitschriften
DOI 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2005.08.001
Titel (primär) 3-D numerical evaluation of density effects on tracer tests
Autor Beinhorn, M.; Dietrich, P. ORCID logo ; Kolditz, O. ORCID logo
Quelle Journal of Contaminant Hydrology
Erscheinungsjahr 2005
Department ENVINF; MET
Band/Volume 81
Heft 1-4
Seite von 89
Seite bis 105
Sprache englisch
Keywords Tracer test; Density-dependent flow; Electrical methods; Groundwater; Model; Heterogeneity
Abstract In this paper we present numerical simulations carried out to assess the importance of density-dependent flow on tracer plume development. The scenario considered in the study is characterized by a short-term tracer injection phase into a fully penetrating well and a natural hydraulic gradient. The scenario is thought to be typical for tracer tests conducted in the field. Using a reference case as a starting point, different model parameters were changed in order to determine their importance to density effects. The study is based on a three-dimensional model domain. Results were interpreted using concentration contours and a first moment analysis. Tracer injections of 0.036 kg per meter of saturated aquifer thickness do not cause significant density effects assuming hydraulic gradients of at least 0.1%. Higher tracer input masses, as used for geoelectrical investigations, may lead to buoyancy-induced flow in the early phase of a tracer test which in turn impacts further plume development. This also holds true for shallow aquifers. Results of simulations with different tracer injection rates and durations imply that the tracer input scenario has a negligible effect on density flow. Employing model cases with different realizations of a log conductivity random field, it could be shown that small variations of hydraulic conductivity in the vicinity of the tracer injection well have a major control on the local tracer distribution but do not mask effects of buoyancy-induced flow.
dauerhafte UFZ-Verlinkung https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=3175
Beinhorn, M., Dietrich, P., Kolditz, O. (2005):
3-D numerical evaluation of density effects on tracer tests
J. Contam. Hydrol. 81 (1-4), 89 - 105 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2005.08.001