Abstract
Fluid movement through fractured vadose zones is known to be complex, exhibiting spatial and temporal variability. It has been observed that under unsaturated conditions, not all fractures, even well-connected fractures, actively participate in transport at all times [Salve et al., 2002; Faybishenko et al., 2000] and that linear conduits formed by intersections can provide preferred
paths for flow (e.g., Dahan et al., 2000). Consequently, simply knowing the geometric characteristics of a fracture or fracture system alone may be insufficient in predicting when a fracture will participate. A better understanding is needed of small-scale behavior of fluid as it reaches a discrete fracture intersection in order to develop more accurate rules for active-fracture
selection. These “rules” are essential if we are to improve the reliability of modeling flow through fracture networks in the vadose zone.
paths for flow (e.g., Dahan et al., 2000). Consequently, simply knowing the geometric characteristics of a fracture or fracture system alone may be insufficient in predicting when a fracture will participate. A better understanding is needed of small-scale behavior of fluid as it reaches a discrete fracture intersection in order to develop more accurate rules for active-fracture
selection. These “rules” are essential if we are to improve the reliability of modeling flow through fracture networks in the vadose zone.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on |
| Subtitle of host publication | Dynamics of Fluids in Fractured Rock |
| Editors | Boris Faybishenko, Paul A. Witherspoon |
| Publisher | University of California |
| Pages | 27-33 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| State | Published - 2004 |