A new method for analysis of variance of the hydraulic and reactive attributes of aquifers as linked to hierarchical and multiscaled sedimentary architecture

Abstract

This technical note presents a useful methodology for studying how the variance of hydraulic and/or reactive attributes of an aquifer are linked to the multiscaled and hierarchical sedimentary architecture of the aquifer. A new recursive equation is derived which quantitatively describes how the variance is related to sedimentary facies defined at all scales across an entire stratal hierarchy. As compared to prior published equations that emphasize differences in means among facies populations within a hierarchical level, it emphasizes differences across levels. Because of the hierarchical relationships among the terms of the equation, we find it to be useful for conducting a holistic analysis of the relative contributions to the variance arising from all facies types defined across all scales. The methodology is demonstrated using appropriate field data, and is shown to be useful in defining parsimonious classification systems.

Relating reactive solute transport to hierarchical and multiscale sedimentary architecture in a Lagrangian‐based transport model: 1. Time‐dependent effective retardation factor

“…Facies classifications are not unique, and the method would be appropriate for any system of chemohydrofacies, assuming they can be defined. In other geologic settings for example volcanic rock in which the boundaries of reactive mineral facies do not correspond to those of permeability (hydro) facies, there may be no basis for a combined classification and this method would not apply [see also Soltanian and Ritzi , ].…”

Modeling CO2 plume migration using an invasion‐percolation approach that includes dissolution

“…Four different lithofacies are presented in the model. Lithofacies are subclasses of the stratigraphic unit that differ in lithology 73–75 . The model, the lithofacies, and their petrophysical characteristics are presented in Fig.…”

Transport of perfluorocarbon tracers in the Cranfield Geological Carbon Sequestration Project

“…There were eight different operational facies including five clay‐rich and three sandstone facies types in the static model and each was given uniform permeability and porosity values. Note that facies are three‐dimensional (3D) bodies of rocks, whose differentiation provides a useful conceptual framework to characterize heterogeneity in attributes of interest such as permeability and porosity . The grid included the perforated injection well (F1) on one boundary and the two non‐intrusive/non‐interacting observation wells (F2 and F3) inside the computational domain.…”

“…Note that facies are three-dimensional (3D) bodies of rocks, whose differentiation provides a useful conceptual framework to characterize heterogeneity in attributes of interest such as permeability and porosity. [31][32][33][34] The grid included the perforated injection well (F1) on one boundary and the two non-intrusive/non-interacting observation wells (F2 and F3) inside the computational domain. The top and bottom boundaries were assumed to be impermeable confining shale layers (see Fig.…”