Fractional flow in fractured chalk; a flow and tracer test revisited. 2013

N E Odling, and L J West, and S Hartmann, and A Kilpatrick
School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS1 9JT, UK. n.odling@see.leeds.ac.uk

A multi-borehole pumping and tracer test in fractured chalk is revisited and reinterpreted in the light of fractional flow. Pumping test data analyzed using a fractional flow model gives sub-spherical flow dimensions of 2.2-2.4 which are interpreted as due to the partially penetrating nature of the pumped borehole. The fractional flow model offers greater versatility than classical methods for interpreting pumping tests in fractured aquifers but its use has been hampered because the hydraulic parameters derived are hard to interpret. A method is developed to convert apparent transmissivity and storativity (L(4-n)/T and S(2-n)) to conventional transmissivity and storativity (L2/T and dimensionless) for the case where flow dimension, 2<n<3. These parameters may then be used in further applications, facilitating application of the fractional flow model. In the case illustrated, improved fits to drawdown data are obtained and the resultant transmissivities and storativities are found to be lower by 30% and an order of magnitude respectively, than estimates from classical methods. The revised hydraulic parameters are used in a reinterpretation of a tracer test using an analytical dual porosity model of solute transport incorporating matrix diffusion and modified for fractional flow. Model results show smaller fracture apertures, spacings and dispersivities than those when 2D flow is assumed. The pumping and tracer test results and modeling presented illustrate the importance of recognizing the potential fractional nature of flow generated by partially penetrating boreholes in fractured aquifers in estimating aquifer properties and interpreting tracer breakthrough curves.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008962 Models, Theoretical Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of systems, processes, or phenomena. They include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment. Experimental Model,Experimental Models,Mathematical Model,Model, Experimental,Models (Theoretical),Models, Experimental,Models, Theoretic,Theoretical Study,Mathematical Models,Model (Theoretical),Model, Mathematical,Model, Theoretical,Models, Mathematical,Studies, Theoretical,Study, Theoretical,Theoretical Model,Theoretical Models,Theoretical Studies
D002119 Calcium Carbonate Carbonic acid calcium salt (CaCO3). An odorless, tasteless powder or crystal that occurs in nature. It is used therapeutically as a phosphate buffer in hemodialysis patients and as a calcium supplement. Aragonite,Calcite,Chalk,Limestone,Marble,Milk of Calcium,Vaterite,Calcium Milk,Carbonate, Calcium
D014872 Water Movements The flow of water in enviromental bodies of water such as rivers, oceans, water supplies, aquariums, etc. It includes currents, tides, and waves. Movement, Water,Movements, Water,Water Movement
D016062 Porosity Condition of having pores or open spaces. This often refers to bones, bone implants, or bone cements, but can refer to the porous state of any solid substance. Porosities
D060587 Groundwater Liquid water present beneath the surface of the earth. Aquifers,Ground Water,Ground-Water,Subterranean Lakes,Underground Lakes,Underground Streams,Underground Water,Water Table,Aquifer,Ground Waters,Ground-Waters,Groundwaters,Lake, Subterranean,Lake, Underground,Lakes, Subterranean,Lakes, Underground,Stream, Underground,Streams, Underground,Subterranean Lake,Table, Water,Tables, Water,Underground Lake,Underground Stream,Underground Waters,Water Tables,Water, Underground,Waters, Underground
D062070 Hydrology Science dealing with the properties, distribution, and circulation of water on and below the earth's surface, and atmosphere. Hydrologies

Related Publications

N E Odling, and L J West, and S Hartmann, and A Kilpatrick
April 2015, Ground water,
N E Odling, and L J West, and S Hartmann, and A Kilpatrick
October 2005, Journal of contaminant hydrology,
N E Odling, and L J West, and S Hartmann, and A Kilpatrick
January 2002, Ground water,
N E Odling, and L J West, and S Hartmann, and A Kilpatrick
August 2003, Journal of contaminant hydrology,
N E Odling, and L J West, and S Hartmann, and A Kilpatrick
August 2001, Chemosphere,
N E Odling, and L J West, and S Hartmann, and A Kilpatrick
August 2006, Journal of contaminant hydrology,
N E Odling, and L J West, and S Hartmann, and A Kilpatrick
January 2003, Ground water,
N E Odling, and L J West, and S Hartmann, and A Kilpatrick
January 2002, Ground water,
N E Odling, and L J West, and S Hartmann, and A Kilpatrick
February 2005, Environmental science & technology,
N E Odling, and L J West, and S Hartmann, and A Kilpatrick
May 2002, Journal of contaminant hydrology,
Copied contents to your clipboard!