TITLE:
Lattice Boltzmann modeling for tracer test analysis in a fractured Gneiss aquifer
AUTHORS:
Ramadan Abdelaziz, Andrew J. Pearson, Broder J. Merkel
KEYWORDS:
LBM; QTRACER2
JOURNAL NAME:
Natural Science,
Vol.5 No.3,
March
26,
2013
ABSTRACT: Fractured Gneiss aquifers present a challenge to hydrogeologists because of their geological complexity. Interpretation methods which can be applied to porous media cannot be applied to fractured Gneiss aquifers because flow and transport occur in fractures, joints, and conduits. In contrast, the rock matrix contribution to groundwater flow is not very important in Gneiss aquifers. Sodium chloride was injected into groundwater flow under steady state condition as tracer to determine transport parameters which are needed for transport modeling. QTRACER2 was used to evaluate the tracer test data. Lattice Boltzmann method was applied to simulate flow and tracer transport through a fracture zone in Gneiss. Experimental tracer data and the numerical solution by lattice Boltzmann method are compared. In general, the results indicate that a 2D Lattice Boltzmann model is able to simulate solute transport in fractured gneiss aquifer at field scale level.