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Fluid flow and solute migration within the capillary fringe.
Stephen E Silliman1, Brian Berkowitz, Jirka Simunek
1Department of Civil Engineering and Geological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA. silliman.1@nd.edu
Ground Water
|January 24, 2002
Summary
Fluid flow and solute transport occur in the capillary fringe (CF), including horizontal movement above the water table. This region actively exchanges water with saturated zones, impacting geochemical and microbial conditions.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology
- Geosciences
- Environmental Science
Background:
- The capillary fringe (CF) is typically conceptualized as a zone of predominantly downward vertical flow.
- Transition to three-dimensional flow is often assumed to occur only below the water table.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate fluid flow and solute transport dynamics within the capillary fringe.
- To challenge the conventional understanding of flow in the unsaturated zone.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory experiments using homogeneous and heterogeneous porous media.
- Numerical modeling to support experimental observations.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated regular vertical and horizontal fluid flow and solute transport in the CF.
- Observed active water exchange between the CF and the saturated zone, enhanced by heterogeneity.
- Confirmed that horizontal flow is primarily confined to the CF.
Conclusions:
- The CF plays a more significant role in geochemical and microbial processes than commonly assumed.
- Findings contrast with traditional models of unsaturated zone flow.
- Highlights the importance of considering the CF in groundwater studies.