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Fundamental Problems in the Stochastic Convection‐Dispersion Model of Solute Transport in Aquifers and Field Soils
Author(s) -
Sposito Garrison,
Jury William A.,
Gupta Vijay K.
Publication year - 1986
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/wr022i001p00077
Subject(s) - dispersion (optics) , field (mathematics) , scale (ratio) , convection , aquifer , stochastic modelling , statistical physics , mechanics , mathematics , environmental science , geology , geotechnical engineering , physics , statistics , groundwater , optics , quantum mechanics , pure mathematics
The stochastic convection‐dispersion equation (CDE) and its application to field scale subsurface solute transport are investigated with respect to their physical and mathematical foundations. It is shown that even the best‐developed stochastic CDE models involve physical approximations and mathematical assumptions which stand in need of much more rigorous theoretical study and detailed field experimentation. The stochastic convection‐dispersion model does not yet resolve clearly the mathematical conditions necessary in order to relate the mean solute concentration calculated with a field scale stochastic CDE to measured values of the solute concentration determined in a single field experiment. The “scale effect” in respect to solute dispersion coefficients has been studied only under conditions in which results of little predictive value can be obtained. Without the clarification of these and other fundamental issues raised in the present paper, it seems prudent to conclude that additional theoretical research on field scale solute dispersion is needed and that the stochastic convection‐dispersion model does not yet warrant unqualified use as a quantitative predictive tool in the management of solute movement in aquifers and field soils.