Ground water models : scientific and regulatory applications / Water Science and Technology Board, Committee on Ground Water Modeling Assessment, Commission of Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Resources, National Research Council.

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

National Research Council (U.S.). Water Science and Technology Board.

Contributor:

National Research Council (U.S.) Committee on Ground Water Modeling Assessment., Content Provider.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Groundwater--Mathematical models.

Groundwater.

Water-supply--Mathematical models.

Water-supply.

Groundwater flow.

Liability for water pollution damages.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xv, 303 pages) : illustrations

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Washington, D.C. : National Academy Press, 1990.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

The discovery of toxic pollution at Love Canal brought ground water contamination to the forefront of public attention. Since then, ground water science and modeling have become increasingly important in evaluating contamination, setting regulations, and resolving liability issues in court. A clearly written explanation of ground water processes and modeling, Ground Water Models focuses on the practical aspects of model application. It: examines the role of models in regulation, litigation, and policy development; explains ground water processes and describes specific applications for models; presents emerging technologies; and offers specific recommendations for better use of ground water science in policy formation.

Contents:

GROUND WATER MODELS

Copyright

Preface

Contents

Overview, Conclusions, and Recommendations

OVERVIEW

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Models and Subsurface Processes

Conclusions

Models and Decisionmaking

Recommendations

Maintaining Scientific Integrity

Recommendations for the Future

1 Introduction

THE GROWTH IN THE USE OF MODELS

REFERENCES

2 Modeling of Processes

INTRODUCTION

Ground Water Flow

Multiphase Flow

Dissolved Contaminant Transport

Advection

Diffusion

Dispersion

Radioactive Decay

Sorption

Precipitation and Dissolution

Acid/Base Reactions

Complexation

Hydrolysis/Substitution

Redox Reactions

Biological Transformations

WHAT IS A MODEL?

Governing Equations

Boundary and Initial Conditions and Parameter Values

Solving Flow and Transport Equations

3 Flow Processes

SATURATED CONTINUUM FLOW

State of the Art

Implications for the Use of Saturated Continuum Flow Models in Decisionmaking

Spatial Dimensionality

Boundary Conditions

Transient Versus Steady State

Discretization

Velocity Computation

Parameter Values

FLOW IN THE UNSATURATED ZONE

Characterization of the Unsaturated Zone

CONCEPTS OF WATER FLOW IN THE UNSATURATED ZONE

FRACTURE FLOW

Theory of Flow in Fractures

Strategies for Modeling

ISSUES IN MODELING

A Fractured Medium as a Continuum

Computational Constraints on Discrete Network Models

Uncertainty in Establishing the Network Geometry

Adequacy of Modeling Technology

4 Transport

TRANSPORT OF CONSERVATIVE SOLUTES

NONCONSERVATIVE SOLUTES

Equilibrium and Kinetic Models of Reactions

Abiotic Reactions

Geochemical Models.

Incorporation of Abiotic Transformations into Solute Transport Models

Phase Transfers

Assessment of Kinetics

Incorporation of Phase Transfers into Solute Transport Models

Biological Reactions

Microbiological Kinetics

Incorporation of Biological Processes into Solute Transport Models

TRANSPORT IN THE UNSATURATED ZONE

Unsaturated Flow and Transport in Structured Soils

MULTIPHASE TRANSPORT

Seawater Intrusion

Organic Fluid Contamination

Governing Equations for Multiphase Flow

Parameters and Initial and Boundary Conditions for Multiphase Flow

Problems Associated with Multiphase Flow

5 Experience With Contaminant Flow Models in the Regulatory System

U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE

Superfund

Law and Regulations

Guidance

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program

Conclusion

SELECTED CASE STUDIES

Vertical-Horizontal Spread (VHS) Model Background

Model

Application at a Particular Site

Regulatory Context

Discussion

Madison Aquifer-Well Withdrawals from a Deep Regional Aquifer

Background

Initial Modeling Studies

Initial Results

Other Model Studies

Snake River Plain-Point Source of Contamination

Hydrogeologic Setting

Model Formulation

Results and Conclusion

Tucson Airport

Approach

Model to Assess Relative Contributions

Model of Source Contributions

Results and Conclusions

S-Area, Niagara Falls, New York

Site Conditions

Model Formulation.

Results and Conclusions

NOTES

BIBLIOGRAPHY

6 Issues in the Development and Use of Models

THE PEOPLE PROBLEM

UNCERTAINTY AND RELIABILITY

The Sampling Process

Process and Parameter Identification

Input Estimation

Model Validation and Accuracy Assessment

ASSURING THE QUALITY OF MODELS

QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCEDURES FOR CODE DEVELOPMENT

Verification of Program Structure and Code

Model Validation

Recordkeeping

Software Documentation

Scientific and Technical Reviews

MODEL APPLICATION

7 Research Needs

USE OF MODELS

SCIENTIFIC TRENDS AND RESEARCH

Basic Understanding and Process Models

Process Models

Multiphase Fluid Flow and Transport Models

Linking Geochemical and Physical Transport Models

Probabilistic Methods

Translation of State of the Art to State of the Practice

Field-Scale Code Developments

Validation or Accuracy Estimation Methods

Advances in Computer Hardware and Numerical Methods

Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems

Some Existing Applications

Expert Systems in the Future

Interdisciplinary Efforts

POLICY TRENDS AND SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH

Appendix: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members

Index.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

0-585-19267-7