Calibration of a Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport Computer Model: Progress Toward Model Validation.

摘要

A groundwater flow and contaminant transport model calibration was performed to evaluate the ability of a typical, verified computer code to simulate groundwater tracer migration in the shallow aquifer of the Conasauga Group. Previously, standard practice site data interpretation and groundwater modeling resulted in inaccurate simulations of contaminant transport direction and rate compared with tracer migration behavior. The site's complex geology, the presence of flow in both fractured and weathered zones, and the transient character of flow in the shallow aquifer combined to render inaccurate assumptions of steady-state, homogeneous groundwater flow. The improvement of previous modeling results required iterative phases of conceptual model development, hypothesis testing, site field investigations, and modeling. The activities focused on generating a model grid that was compatible with site hydrogeologic conditions and on establishing boundary conditions based on site data. An annual average water table configuration derived from site data and fixed head boundary conditions was used as input for flow modeling. The contaminant transport model was combined with the data-driven flow model to obtain a preliminary contaminant plume. Calibration of the transport code was achieved by comparison with site tracer migration and concentration data. This study documents the influence of fractures and the transient character of flow and transport in the shallow aquifer. Although compatible with porous medium theory, site data demonstrate that the tracer migration pathway would not be anticipated using conventional porous medium analysis. 126 figs., 22 refs., 5 tabs.