Analysis of field observations of tracer transport in a fractured till.
We analyze a set of observations from a recently published, field-scale tracer test in a fractured till. These observations demonstrate a dominant, underlying non-Fickian behavior, which cannot be quantified using traditional modeling approaches. We use a continuous time random walk (CTRW) approach which thoroughly accounts for the measurements, and which is based on a physical picture of contaminant motion that is consistent with the geometric and hydraulic characterization of the fractured formation. We also incorporate convolution techniques in the CTRW theory, to consider transport between different regions containing distinct heterogeneity patterns. These results enhance the possibility that limitations in predicting non-Fickian modes of contaminant migration can be overcome.
Kosakowski
G
G
Department of Environmental Sciences and Energy Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel. g.kosakowski@gmx.net
Berkowitz
B
B
Scher
H
H
D002712:Chlorides / Q000032:analysis; D005618:Fresh Water; D055593:Geological Phenomena; D005844:Geology; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis
D002712:Chlorides; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical