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An efficient tracer test for time‐variable transit time distributions in periodic hydrodynamic systems
Author(s) -
Harman Ciaran J.,
Kim Minseok
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1002/2013gl058980
Subject(s) - tracer , transit time , flow (mathematics) , overprinting , variable (mathematics) , event (particle physics) , a priori and a posteriori , hierarchy , breakthrough curve , computer science , mechanics , geology , environmental science , statistical physics , mathematics , physics , chemistry , mathematical analysis , engineering , transport engineering , nuclear physics , market economy , philosophy , geochemistry , epistemology , adsorption , quantum mechanics , organic chemistry , economics , metamorphic rock
The time‐varying transport dynamics of complex hydrodynamic systems with long transit times are difficult to observe due to the need for multiple tracer injections. Where only one or two distinct tracers are available, overprinting in the output concentrations limits the injection frequency. In this letter we propose an experimental method (the Periodic Tracer Hierarchy) that allows overprinted breakthrough curves to be decomposed into contributions from multiple injections of the same tracer, so long as the transporting flow is periodic. This method allows the time‐varying transit time distributions to be observed efficiently while making no a priori assumptions about the transport processes operating in the system. Simulations of transport through a soil column subject to a periodic sequence of irrigation events demonstrate that the distinct transit time distributions associated with each irrigation event can be retrieved almost exactly.