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A discrete kernel method of characteristics model of solute transport in water table aquifers
Author(s) -
Illangasekare Tissa H.,
Döll Petra
Publication year - 1989
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/wr025i005p00857
Subject(s) - aquifer , kernel (algebra) , groundwater flow , water table , flow (mathematics) , groundwater , advection , dispersion (optics) , partial differential equation , mechanics , geotechnical engineering , mathematics , geology , mathematical analysis , physics , thermodynamics , combinatorics , optics
A simulation model of two‐dimensional solute transport in water table aquifers is developed in this paper. The linearity of the governing partial differential equation of groundwater flow is exploited by using the discrete kernel approach that has been successfully employed previously in groundwater flow modeling. With this approach, the flow velocities resulting from different pumping and injection schemes can be efficiently computed. The conventional implementation of the method of characteristics is improved using an influence area particle tracking scheme that avoids the oscillations and step jumps of breakthrough curves. The concept of a porous medium consisting of mobile and immobile zones is introduced into the solution of the two‐dimensional advection dispersion equation. Model results are compared with those generated with an analytical solution and with a conventional method of characteristics model.