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Benchmark Analysis of Solute Transport with Multiaquifer Wells
Author(s) -
Neville Christopher J.,
Zhang Jinhui
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
groundwater
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.84
H-Index - 94
eISSN - 1745-6584
pISSN - 0017-467X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-6584.2010.00696.x
Subject(s) - aquifer , benchmark (surveying) , plume , laplace transform , representation (politics) , groundwater , generalization , computer science , environmental science , geology , mathematics , geotechnical engineering , physics , mathematical analysis , meteorology , geodesy , politics , political science , law
A benchmark analysis is developed for assessing the reliability of the representation of multiaquifer wells in numerical solute transport simulators. The analysis considers the installation of a well that penetrates two aquifers that are otherwise isolated. The interconnection of the two aquifers by the multiaquifer well leads to the capture of a plume in an upper aquifer and the development of a plume in a lower aquifer. The benchmark analysis couples an exact Laplace transform solution for radially convergent transport with a generalization of an exact Laplace transform solution for radially divergent transport. The benchmark analysis is used to test the multiaquifer well simulation capability incorporated recently in MT3DMS. The results of the analysis provide insights into important issues of model accuracy and efficiency. The results of the analysis also highlight the potential implications of installing wells with relatively long screens at sites with contaminated groundwater.