Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Solute Transport Through Laboratory-Scale Karstic Aquifers, Lee J. Florea, Carol M. Wicks

Lee J Florea, PhD, P.G.

Laboratory-scale models of branchwork and of network karstic aquifers were constructed to provide data needed for calibration of numerical models. The distribution and connectedness of the conduits and sinkholes were scaled similarly to those found in nature; however, the porosity of models (2 and 3%) and the recharge rate (80 cm/hr) could not be scaled appropriately. Pulses of 1-M NaCl were injected sequentially at ten locations on both models to determine transport parameters using QTRACER. For all experiments, the Reynolds numbers were <150, the Peclet numbers were >6, and the Froude numbers were ~0. The flow regime was laminar and subcritical and advective processes dominated …