Integrated Hydrogeophysical and Hydrogeologic Driven Parameter Upscaling for Dual-Domain Transport Modeling

Our research project is motivated by the observations that conventional characterization approaches capture only a fraction of heterogeneity affecting field-scale transport, and that conventional modeling approaches, which use this sparse data, typically do not successfully predict long term plume behavior with sufficient accuracy to guide remedial strategies. Our working hypotheses are that improved prediction of contaminant transport can be achieved using a dual-domain transport approach and field-scale characterization approaches. Our overall objectives are to: (1) develop a dual-domain modeling approach using the TOUGH2 family of codes that incorporates the key interactions between mobile and immobile transport regions that are expected to play a role in long term plume behavior; (2) develop a facies-based multi-scale characterization approach that utilizes log, crosshole, and surface-based characterization information and that is guided by the parameterization needs of the dual domain modeling; and (3) evaluate the approaches by applying them to the prediction of plume behavior at the P-Area at the Savannah River Site (Figure 1). Our three-year project scope includes development of multi-scale characterization and dual-domain modeling approach and field-scale data acquisition (Year 1); Numerical simulations and field-scale characterization (Year 2); and Plume transport simulations and exploration of optimal dual-domain parameters (Year 3)