Article (Scientific journals)
Application of multiple-point geostatistics on modelling groundwater flow and transport in a cross-bedded aquifer
Huysmans, Marijke; Dassargues, Alain
2009In Hydrogeology Journal, 17 (8), p. 1901-1911
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Keywords :
Groundwater flow; Multiple-point geostatistics; Heterogeneity; Solute transport
Abstract :
[en] Sedimentological processes often result in complex three-dimensional subsurface heterogeneity of hydrogeological parameter values. Variogram-based stochastic approaches are often not able to describe heterogeneity in such complex geological environments. This work shows how multiple-point geostatistics can be applied in a realistic hydrogeological application to determine the impact of complex geological heterogeneity on groundwater flow and transport. The approach is applied to a real aquifer in Belgium that exhibits a complex sedimentary heterogeneity and anisotropy. A training image is constructed based on geological and hydrogeological field data. Multiple-point statistics are borrowed from thistraining image to simulate hydrofacies occurrence, while intrafacies permeability variability is simulated using conventional variogram-based geostatistical methods. The simulated hydraulic conductivity realizations are used as input to a groundwater flow and transport model to investigate the effect of small-scale sedimentary heterogeneity on contaminant plume migration. Results show that small-scale sedimentary heterogeneity has a significant effect on contaminant transport in the studied aquifer. The uncertainty on the spatial facies distribution and intrafacies hydraulic conductivity distribution results in a significant uncertainty on the calculated concentration distribution. Comparison with standard variogram-based techniques shows that multiple-point geostatistics allow better reproduction of irregularly shaped low-permeability clay drapes that influence solute transport.
Research center :
Aquapôle - ULiège
Disciplines :
Geological, petroleum & mining engineering
Author, co-author :
Huysmans, Marijke;  Katholieke Universiteit Leuven - KUL > Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences > Applied Geology and Mineralogy
Dassargues, Alain  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département Argenco : Secteur GEO3 > Hydrogéologie & Géologie de l'environnement
Language :
English
Title :
Application of multiple-point geostatistics on modelling groundwater flow and transport in a cross-bedded aquifer
Publication date :
2009
Journal title :
Hydrogeology Journal
ISSN :
1431-2174
Publisher :
Springer, New York, United States - New York
Volume :
17
Issue :
8
Pages :
1901-1911
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Funders :
FWO - Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Vlaanderen [BE]
Available on ORBi :
since 18 November 2009

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