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An evaluation of semidistributed-pipe-network and distributed-finite-difference models to simulate karst systems
L W Gill1, P Schuler1, L Duran1
1Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, University of Dublin Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Hydrogeology Journal
|February 19, 2021
Summary
This study compares two karst aquifer modeling approaches: a semidistributed model and a fully distributed model. The distributed model offers better insights into flow paths and contaminant transport in complex karst systems.
Area of Science:
- Hydrogeology
- Environmental Modeling
Background:
- Karst aquifers exhibit complex spatial and temporal heterogeneities.
- Existing modeling approaches struggle to capture these complexities fully.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and compare a semidistributed modeling approach with a fully distributed approach for Irish karst aquifers.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of these models in simulating karst hydrological processes and contaminant transport.
Main Methods:
- Development of a semidistributed model using urban drainage software.
- Implementation and comparison of a finite-difference distributed model (MODFLOW USG with Connected Linear Network process).
- Application and validation on an Irish karst catchment.
Main Results:
- The semidistributed model showed strong performance in simulating spring flows.
- The distributed model, while facing challenges in matching spring flow performance, demonstrated superior ability to interrogate 3D flow paths.
- Investigation into the influence of transmissive conduits on flow dynamics within the karst matrix.
Conclusions:
- The semidistributed approach is useful for various karst applications but has limitations in simulating diffuse infiltration.
- The distributed MODFLOW USG with CLN process provides valuable insights into complex karst flow paths and potential contaminant transport.
- Further research is needed to optimize distributed model performance for spring flow simulation in karst environments.
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