Where ground waters contain elevated concentrations of dissolved solutes, density contrasts can significantly alter the behaviour of the aquifer. These effects are most frequently observed as saline interfaces in coastal regions, but they also occur in desert regions and internal drainage basins.
Simulation of aquifers where the fluid density varies requires the application of specialist models that take account of density differences and solve the coupled-flow and transport problems. WMC has a track record of over 10 years in the application of variable density models for the simulation and management of brine reserves, the prediction of saline intrusion, and consideration of the environmental impact of groundwater pumping from internal drainage basins containing saltpans and brines.
WMC has completed many projects where variable density simulations have been critical decision-making tools. In addition, research projects benchmarking the available variable density modeling codes have given WMC unique knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses.
Project Examples:
| Title: |
Future movement of sharp saline interface due to freshwater and brine abstraction
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| Location: |
Northern Chile
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| Client: |
Confidential |
| Description: |
WMC developed a variable density model of the saline interface zone created by the natural discharge of fresh groundwater at the edge of a salt-pan (salar). The model was applied to simulate the upgradient freshwater aquifer, the saline interface zone where freshwater is forced to the surface and evapo-concentration occurs, and the supersaturated brine present within the salt-pan. The modelling was completed with a coupled groundwater flow, transport and variable density code to investigate the potential for saline interface movement due to freshwater and brine pumping. Significant numerical challenges had to be overcome arising from the very large concentration and density contrasts present over short intervals.
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| Title: |
Investigation of freshwater lens formation
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| Location: |
Rajasthan, India
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| Client: |
Confidential |
| Description: |
A lens of freshwater overlying more brackish water represents a very important water resource in this desert region. Investigative modeling was conducted to explore the hypothesis that very low recharge rates sustained over millennia could have created the freshwater resource. The modelling was completed with a coupled transport and variable density code.
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