Premium
Stochastic analysis of macrodispersion in a stratified aquifer
Author(s) -
Gelhar Lynn W.,
Gutjahr Allan L.,
Naff Richard L.
Publication year - 1979
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/wr015i006p01387
Subject(s) - hydraulic conductivity , aquifer , stochastic process , constant (computer programming) , dispersion (optics) , stochastic differential equation , displacement (psychology) , mechanics , transient (computer programming) , geology , stochastic modelling , conductivity , soil science , geotechnical engineering , mathematics , mathematical analysis , physics , statistics , computer science , groundwater , psychology , optics , psychotherapist , soil water , programming language , operating system , quantum mechanics
The longitudinal dispersion produced as a result of vertical variations of hydraulic conductivity in a stratified aquifer is analyzed by treating the variability of conductivity and concentration as homogeneous stochastic processes. The mass transport process is described using a first‐order approximation which is analogous to that of G. I. Taylor for flow in tubes. The resulting stochastic differential equation describing the concentration field is solved using spectral representations. The results of the analysis demonstrate that for large time the longitudinal dispersivity approaches a constant value which is dependent on statistical properties of the medium. The analysis also describes the transient development of the dispersive process and some non‐Fickian effects which occur early in the displacement process.