Modeling Three-Dimensional Groundwater Flow and Advective Contaminant Transport at a Heterogeneous Mountainous Site in Support of Remediation Strategy Page: 1 of 34
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Modeling Three-Dimensional Groundwater Flow and Advective
Contaminant Transport at a Heterogeneous Mountainous Site in Support of
Remediation Strategy
Quanlin Zhou, Jens T. Birkholzer, Iraj Javandel, and Preston D. Jordan
Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Earth Sciences Division
1 Cyclotron Road, MS 90-1116, Berkeley CA 94720 USA
Abstract
A calibrated groundwater flow model for a contaminated site can provide substantial
information for assessing and improving hydraulic measures implemented for remediation. A
three-dimensional transient groundwater flow model was developed for a contaminated
mountainous site, at which interim corrective measures were initiated to limit further spreading
of contaminants. This flow model accounts for complex geologic units that vary considerably in
thickness, slope, and hydrogeologic properties, as well as large seasonal fluctuations of the
groundwater table and flow rates. Other significant factors are local recharge from leaking
underground storm drains and recharge from steep uphill areas. The zonation method was
employed to account for the clustering of high and low hydraulic conductivities measured in a
geologic unit. A composite model was used to represent the bulk effect of thin layers of relatively
high hydraulic conductivity found within bedrock of otherwise low conductivity. The inverse
simulator ITOUGH2 was used to calibrate the model for the distribution of rock properties. The
model was initially calibrated using data collected between 1994 and 1996. To check the validity
of the model, it was subsequently applied to predicting groundwater level fluctuation and
groundwater flux between 1996 and 1998. Comparison of simulated and measured data
demonstrated that the model is capable of predicting the complex flow reasonably well.
Advective transport was approximated using pathways of particles originating from source areas
of the plumes. The advective transport approximation was in good agreement with the trend of
contaminant plumes observed over the years. The validated model was then refined to focus on a
subsection of the large system. The refined model was subsequently used to assess the efficiency
of hydraulic measures implemented for remediation.
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Zhou, Quanlin; Birkholzer, Jens T.; Javandel, Iraj & Jordan, Preston D. Modeling Three-Dimensional Groundwater Flow and Advective Contaminant Transport at a Heterogeneous Mountainous Site in Support of Remediation Strategy, article, January 14, 2004; Berkeley, California. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc780232/m1/1/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.