ISSN:
1436-3259
Keywords:
Stochastic diffusion equations
;
effective hydraulic conductivity
;
correlation scale
;
heterogeneous aquifers
;
spectral representation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying
,
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
,
Geography
,
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract Assuming that the ln hydraulic conductivity in an aquifer is mathematically approximated by a spatial deterministic “surface”, or trend, plus a stationary random noise, we treat the problem of finding what the effective hydraulic conductivity of that aquifer is. This problem is tackled by spectral methods applied to a type of diffusion equation of groundwater flow, together with suitable coordinate transformations. Analytical (exact) solutions in terms of elementary functions are presented for one- and three-dimensional finite and infinite domains. Stability criteria are obtained for the solutions, in terms of a critical parameter, that turns out to involve the product of correlation scale and trend gradient. For the case of finite and symmetrical domains, additional provisions to insure the stability of numerical calculations of effective hydraulic conductivity are provided. Effective hydraulic conductivity is an important property, with potential applications in the calibrations of groundwater and transport numerical models.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01581388
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