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Conduit evolution in deep‐seated settings: Conceptual and numerical models based on field observations
Author(s) -
Rehrl C.,
Birk S.,
Klimchouk A. B.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/2008wr006905
Subject(s) - electrical conduit , geology , aquifer , hydrogeology , dissolution , permeability (electromagnetism) , petrology , flow (mathematics) , mechanics , petroleum engineering , geotechnical engineering , groundwater , engineering , physics , chemistry , mechanical engineering , biochemistry , chemical engineering , membrane
To examine the interrelation between hydrogeological environment and conduit development in deep‐seated settings, a conceptual model is tested by numerical modeling. Based on field observations, simplified model settings are designed and crucial parameters are varied. A coupled continuum‐pipe flow model is employed for simulating conduit development within the soluble unit of a multilayer aquifer system. In agreement with field observations, the evolving cave patterns are characterized by pronounced horizontal passages and multiple vertical conduits at the bottom of the soluble unit but only few at the top. The frequency distribution of conduit diameters is found to be bimodal if the permeability of the rock formation is sufficiently high to allow competitive conduit development governed by the feedback between increasing flow and dissolution rates. This feedback, however, is suppressed in low‐permeability formations. As a consequence, conduit development is uniform rather than competitive.