Simulating Infiltration Tests in Fractured Basalt at the Box Canyon Site, Idaho

Unger, André; Faybishenko, Boris; Bodvarsson, G.S.; Simmons, Ardyth M.

doi:10.2113/3.1.75

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…This correlation is maintained over a distance called the “transport persistence length” that can range from one block element size (no persistence) to a kilometer or more. In terms of its physical meaning, the parameter can be seen as a measure of the transport channeling effect, or preferred fast path length, that has been observed in the field over long distances [ Unger et al , 2004; Johnson et al , 2000; Nimmo , 2002; Nativ et al , 1995; Dahan et al , 1999; Heeb and Bates , 1994]. Conceptually, it adds an additional, between‐block spatial correlation to solute transport, superimposed on the spatially correlated hydraulic conductivity field.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Regional channelized transport in fractured media with matrix diffusion and linear sorption

Odén

Niemi

Tsang

et al. 2008

Water Resources Research

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[1] A regional-scale solute transport model with long-range flow channeling is used to study the effect of matrix diffusion and linear sorption on channelized transport. We start from a fracture-network-based block model to build up a large-scale flow and transport model with regional flow channeling, and then incorporate the processes of matrix diffusion and linear sorption. Regional-scale solute transport is then studied by applying the model to the fracture data set from Sellafield, England. The results demonstrate the significant impact that matrix diffusion has on regional-scale solute travel times for different degrees of long-range channeling. With no channeling, a relatively sharp and significantly delayed arrival can be observed, which is the well-known retardation effect of matrix diffusion and linear sorption. However, with increasing regional channeling the delay becomes much smaller while the spread of transit times becomes much larger. The solute breakthrough curves obtained are analyzed with both the traditional advectiondispersion equation (ADE) and a Continuous Time Random Walk (CTRW) method developed for non-Fickian transport. The low b values obtained from the CTRW model indicate an extremely non-Fickian transport, which is also confirmed by the low Peclet numbers (much less than 1) required for the best fit to the ADE model. In particular, the times for the first arrival of solute are much earlier when regional channeling occurs. In other words, the degree of large-scale channeling is a crucial parameter for determining the first arrival of particles, and it becomes even more important when matrix diffusion and linear sorption are included in the model.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Regional channelized transport in fractured media with matrix diffusion and linear sorption

Odén

Niemi

Tsang

et al. 2008

Water Resources Research

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“… c Average of the values in Doughty (2000), Faybishenko and Finsterle (2000), and Unger et al (2004). …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling GaseousCO₂Flow Behavior in Layered Basalts: Dimensional Analysis and Aquifer Response

et al. 2021

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Particular attention is paid to the risk of carbon dioxide (CO2) leakage in geologic carbon sequestration (GCS) operations, as it might lead to the failure of sequestration efforts and to the contamination of underground sources of drinking water. As carbon dioxide would eventually reach shallower formations under its gaseous state, understanding its multiphase flow behavior is essential. To this aim, a hypothetical gaseous leak of carbon dioxide resulting from a well integrity failure of the GCS system in operation at Hellisheiði (CarbFix2) is here modeled. Simulations show that migration of gaseous carbon dioxide is largely affected by formation stratigraphy, intrinsic permeability, and retention properties, whereas the initial groundwater hydraulic gradient (0.0284) has practically no effect. In two different scenarios, about 18.3 and 30.6% of the CO2 that would have been injected by the GCS system for 3 days could be potentially released again into the atmosphere due to a sustained leakage of the same duration. As the gaseous leak occurs, the aquifer experiences high pressure buildups, and the presence of a less conductive layer further magnifies these. Strikingly, the dimensional analysis showed that buoyant and viscous forces can be comparable over time within the predicted gaseous plumes, even far from the leakage source. Local pressure gradients, buoyant, viscous, and capillary forces all play an important role during leakage. Therefore, neglecting one or more of these contributions might lead to a partial prediction of gaseous CO2 flow behavior in the subsurface, giving space to incorrect interpretations and wrong operational choices.

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“…This area can be estimated using numerical simulations of the results of infiltration tests. For example, according to the three‐dimensional modeling of the Box Canyon pneumatic and infiltration tests, using a dual‐permeability model, the fracture‐matrix interfacial area should be scaled by a factor of 0.01 for the results of modeling to match experiments [ Unger et al , 2004].…”

Section: Key Features Of Geometry and Nonlinear Dynamics Of Flow Thromentioning

confidence: 99%

Nonlinear dynamics in flow through unsaturated fractured porous media: Status and perspectives

Faybishenko

2004

Reviews of Geophysics

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[1] The need has long been recognized to improve predictions of flow and transport in partially saturated heterogeneous soils and fractured rock of the vadose zone for many practical applications, such as remediation of contaminated sites, nuclear waste disposal in geological formations, and climate predictions. Until recently, flow and transport processes in heterogeneous subsurface media with oscillating irregularities were assumed to be random and were not analyzed using methods of nonlinear dynamics. The goals of this paper are to review the theoretical concepts, present the results, and provide perspectives on investigations of flow and transport in unsaturated heterogeneous soils and fractured rock, using the methods of nonlinear dynamics and deterministic chaos. The results of laboratory and field investigations indicate that the nonlinear dynamics of flow and transport processes in unsaturated soils and fractured rocks arise from the dynamic feedback and competition between various nonlinear physical processes along with complex geometry of flow paths. Although direct measurements of variables characterizing the individual flow processes are not technically feasible, their cumulative effect can be characterized by analyzing time series data using the models and methods of nonlinear dynamics and chaos. Identifying flow through soil or rock as a nonlinear dynamical system is important for developing appropriate short-and long-time predictive models, evaluating prediction uncertainty, assessing the spatial distribution of flow characteristics from time series data, and improving chemical transport simulations. Inferring the nature of flow processes through the methods of nonlinear dynamics could become widely used in different areas of the earth sciences.

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Simulating Infiltration Tests in Fractured Basalt at the Box Canyon Site, Idaho

Cited by 6 publications

References 22 publications

Regional channelized transport in fractured media with matrix diffusion and linear sorption

Regional channelized transport in fractured media with matrix diffusion and linear sorption

Modeling GaseousCO₂Flow Behavior in Layered Basalts: Dimensional Analysis and Aquifer Response

Nonlinear dynamics in flow through unsaturated fractured porous media: Status and perspectives

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Simulating Infiltration Tests in Fractured Basalt at the Box Canyon Site, Idaho

Cited by 6 publications

References 22 publications

Regional channelized transport in fractured media with matrix diffusion and linear sorption

Regional channelized transport in fractured media with matrix diffusion and linear sorption

Modeling GaseousCO2Flow Behavior in Layered Basalts: Dimensional Analysis and Aquifer Response

Nonlinear dynamics in flow through unsaturated fractured porous media: Status and perspectives

Contact Info

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Modeling GaseousCO₂Flow Behavior in Layered Basalts: Dimensional Analysis and Aquifer Response