Laboratory and numerical simulations of spatio-temporal variability of water exchange between the fissures and conduits in a karstic aquifer

Shu, Longcang; Zou, Zhike; Li, Fulin; Wu, Peipeng; Chen, Huawei; Xu, Zexuan

doi:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2020.125219

Cited by 14 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…Field work is supported by borehole drilling, geophysical surveys, and the application of artificial and natural tracers, which are relatively expensive and labor‐intensive (Wu et al, 2019). To obtain a better understanding of karst flow systems, the method of combining laboratory analogues with numerical simulations has been widely used in the literature (Faulkner et al, 2009; Sakaki & Rajaram, 2009; Shu et al, 2020). Numerical models that have been calibrated and validated using experimental data can reproduce test results, provide insights into internal hydrodynamic processes, and subsequently help characterize aquifer behaviours as well as make predictions for actual projects.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Chang et al (2015) used MODFLOW‐CFP to assess the influence of turbulent and laminar conduits on spring hydrographs from diffuse recharge. Shu et al (2020) found the spatiotemporal variability of water exchange between fractured rocks and conduits in a karst aquifer by laboratory and numerical simulations. Since it is difficult to approximate the hydraulic properties of real fracture networks by geological exploration, relevant models are often conducted using random fracture networks generated based on statistical characteristics (Hyman & Dentz, 2021; Tiedeman & Barrash, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since much research has been done on the spring hydrographs in the exposed karst systems with highly weathered carbonate bedrock exposed at the surface (Ding et al, 2020; Karay & Hajnal, 2015; Shu et al, 2020), this study aimed to analyse karst spring hydrographs in the covered karst area with Quaternary sediments and reveal the relationships between spring discharge behaviours and hydrologic processes of different media. We performed a small‐scale physical experiment designed based on the structural characteristics of typical covered karst systems to simulate rainfall‐discharge processes, and developed two CDC numerical models by mimicking the laboratory setup to explore the internal hydrologic processes of karst aquifers during recharge events.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Identification of karst spring hydrographs using laboratory and numerical simulations considering combined discrete‐continuum approaches

Chen,

Shu,

Lian

et al. 2023

Hydrological Processes

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The quantitative analysis of karst spring hydrographs aids in characterizing the hydrodynamic properties of aquifer systems. However, the relationships between spring hydrographs and hydrologic functions of different media lack in‐depth research. This study detected the rainfall‐discharge processes of covered karst systems using two combined discrete‐continuum models (a coupled continuum‐pipe model and a hybrid model) developed based on laboratory experiments. An improved exponential function was used to decompose spring recession hydrographs with a great performance, and the results indicate that the slow drainage controlled by the porous medium dominates the whole recession process. There is a shift in the contribution of the matrix to karst discharge systems with the increase of its hydraulic conductivity. Although spring hydrographs have a great dependency on the hydraulic process of fracture networks, the variation in permeability of the matrix significantly changes the storage capacity of fractured rocks and spring discharge behaviours. The changing process of water storage rate of the matrix and fractures with spring hydrographs reveals three stages: a period of steep rise and fall, a period with slight fluctuations, and a gentle descent stage. The parameter sensitivity analysis in both models shows that the covering porous layer has a strong effect on the patterns of karst spring hydrographs, and the specific yield is more sensitive than hydraulic conductivity. While these simulations were conducted at the laboratory scale, the findings provide insights into practical applications of spring protection and water resources management.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Identification of karst spring hydrographs using laboratory and numerical simulations considering combined discrete‐continuum approaches

Chen,

Shu,

Lian

et al. 2023

Hydrological Processes

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“…For example, in an aquifer system characterized by fractured rocks, the residence time can be calculated, obtaining a model based on the hydrochemistry of the water (using ions, which correctly discriminate the path of the water given its mineralogy), thus improving the management of this resource and its association with surface water in the area [21]. Several types of numerical models of variable density make it possible to relate or manage freshwater entry sources into coastal aquifers and their impact by the advance of seawater [22][23][24]. The SEAWAT-2000 numerical model is a coupled version of the model of flow (MODFLOW) and MT3DMS based on the finite difference method for this type of three-dimensional numerical simulation [25,26].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Flow and Transport Numerical Model of a Coastal Aquifer Based on the Hydraulic Importance of a Dyke and Its Impact on Water Quality. Manglaralto—Ecuador

Carrión-Mero

Montalván

Morante-Carballo

et al. 2021

Water

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Coastal aquifers are part of the natural resources contributing to local development and promote resilience in the most vulnerable communities near the sea. Manglaralto, an Ecuadorian coastal parish, is affected by water resource scarcity. The increase in salinity and deterioration of the water quality is generated by the local and floating population’s demand, causing an increase in the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentrations and decreasing the aquifer’s piezometric levels. The aim is to establish a numerical model of flow and transport of the Manglaralto coastal aquifer by using hydrogeological data and Visual Transin software, relating the hydraulic importance of a dyke’s design (“tape”) and its impact on the quality of the water. The methodology is (i) hydrogeological database analysis, (ii) the system’s recharge concerning the soil water balance, (iii) the boundary conditions of the flow and transport model and, (iv) the results and validation of the numerical simulation. The results configure the importance of the coastal aquifer’s artificial recharge in the area where the tape is located, as reflected in the increase in piezometric levels and the decrease in salinity in wells near the sea. In conclusion, the numerical model of flow and transport allows expanding the knowledge of the variation of the piezometric levels and TDS concentrations over time, the importance of recharge in the hydrogeological system’s operation, and correct community management resilience and projection to sustainable development.

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“…LSMs have also been used to study groundwater flow and solute transport through karst aquifers. Studies have focused on investigations of exchanges between the conduit/fracture‐matrix continuum (Faulkner et al 2009; Shu et al 2020; Florea et al 2009), testing of solute/contaminant transport (G. Li et al 2008; Florea et al 2008), testing of analytical and numerical modeling approaches (Hu et al 2012; Loper 2013; Karay and Hajnal 2015), estimation of recharge (Wang et al 2015), determination of hydrodynamic characteristics of aquifers such as K and hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient (Klammler et al 2014; Cupola et al 2015; Bouzaglou et al 2018; Park et al 2018), simulation of salt water intrusion (Li et al 2008; F. lin Li et al 2018; Oz et al 2015), better understanding of tracer transport behavior (Field and Leij 2012; Florea and Wicks 2001) and more recently, evaluation of characterization methods (Zhao et al 2017; Cunningham et al 2008). Moreover, validation of numerical models and processes incorporated can be tested under controlled conditions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of Laboratory Scale Models of Karst Aquifers: Approaches, Similitude, and Requirements

Mohammadi¹,

Illman

Field

2020

Groundwater

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This review focuses on investigations of groundwater flow and solute transport in karst aquifers through laboratory scale models (LSMs). In particular, LSMs have been used to generate new data under different hydraulic and contaminant transport conditions, testing of new approaches for site characterization, and providing new insights into flow and transport processes through complex karst aquifers. Due to the increasing need for LSMs to investigate a wide range of issues, associated with flow and solute migration karst aquifers this review attempts to classify, and introduce a framework for constructing a karst aquifer physical model that is more representative of field conditions. The LSMs are categorized into four groups: sand box, rock block, pipe/fracture network, and pipe‐matrix coupling. These groups are compared and their advantages and disadvantages highlighted. The capabilities of such models have been extensively improved by new developments in experimental methods and measurement devices. Newer technologies such as 3D printing, computed tomography scanning, X‐rays, nuclear magnetic resonance, novel geophysical techniques, and use of nanomaterials allow for greater flexibilities in conducting experiments. In order for LSMs to be representative of karst aquifers, a few requirements are introduced: (1) the ability to simulate heterogeneous distributions of karst hydraulic parameters, (2) establish Darcian and non‐Darcian flow regimes and exchange between the matrix and conduits, (3) placement of adequate sampling points and intervals, and (4) achieving some degree of geometric, kinematic, and dynamic similitude to represent field conditions.

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Laboratory and numerical simulations of spatio-temporal variability of water exchange between the fissures and conduits in a karstic aquifer

Cited by 14 publications

References 55 publications

Identification of karst spring hydrographs using laboratory and numerical simulations considering combined discrete‐continuum approaches

Identification of karst spring hydrographs using laboratory and numerical simulations considering combined discrete‐continuum approaches

Flow and Transport Numerical Model of a Coastal Aquifer Based on the Hydraulic Importance of a Dyke and Its Impact on Water Quality. Manglaralto—Ecuador

Review of Laboratory Scale Models of Karst Aquifers: Approaches, Similitude, and Requirements

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