Contaminant transport in karst aquifers
John A. Hoke, Carol M. Wicks
Abstract
Modeling groundwater flow and contaminant transport in karst systems is complicated by the highly heterogeneous nature of the aquifer. A linear systems approach provides a basin scale perspective which does not require specific details of conduit geometry and behavior. Results indicate that a kernel function derived from a tracer study was useful as an indicator of the movement of a contaminant through a karst basin. Once a unique kernel function for a karst basin has been calculated, contaminant behavior can be characterized and anticipated for any input of contaminant concentration and discharge.
Topics & Concepts
KarstAquiferGeologyHydrology (agriculture)Mining engineeringGeochemistryGroundwaterWater resource managementGeomorphologyEnvironmental scienceGeotechnical engineeringPaleontologyKarst Systems and HydrogeologyGrouting, Rheology, and Soil MechanicsGroundwater flow and contamination studies