K_Connect

K-Connect 

Connectivity in shallow, unconsolidated porous aquifers


Duration: 36 months

Funding: DFG

Partner: TU Berlin

The unknown continuity of hydrostratigraphic units as well as the uncertainty regarding their connectivity to each other, led to problems in the realistic capturing and predicition of solute transport especially in heterogeneous aquifers. In K-Connect a theoretical concept of aquifer connectivity is developed enabling the use of frequency-dependent geophysical measurements (SIP) and hydraulic tests towards the characterization and quantification of connectivity of such aquifers in the field. The relation between connectivity and signal frequency, signal amplitude attenuation are investigated to yield measurable, effective or equivalent parameters which serves as indicators/measures of connectivity. Therefore simultaneous numerical simulations and laboratory experiments of varying connectivity scenarios are performed. Finally, the simulation and experimental results are used to optimize our developed (theoretical) connectivity concept and infer measures quantifying connectivity to contribute in groundwater flow and transport simulations. Main focus of the department MET is the development of the underlying theoretical concept as well as the simulation, design and realization of the hydraulic tests.