Researchers explore the effects of multiscale anisotropy on groundwater flow
| September 5, 2011 | Posted by karmadsen under blog, Groundwater articles, Groundwater elevation, Groundwater Modeling, Groundwater Modeling Software, Modeling Software |
In the latest volume of Ground Water journal, researchers Vitaly A. Zlotnik, M. Bayani Cardenas, and Daniel Toundykov published a study of the effects of multiscale anisotropy on groundwater flow. They defined small-scale anisotropy as the variation between vertical and horizontal conductivity. They defined large-scale anisotropy as the variation in conductivity with depth. Hydraulic conductivity is generally assumed to increase with depth due to increasing pressure. Using a topography controlled ground flow scenario, the researches explored various anisotropy cases. Their results indicated that small-scale and large-scale anisotropy have a multiplicative effect on the system. It’s important for modelers to consider these results because variations in conductivity with depth can have strong impact on circulation within the system.
Zlotnik VA, Cardenas MB, Toundykov, D. 2011. Effects of Multiscale Anisotropy on Basin and Hyporheic Groundwater Flow. Ground Water. 49(4): 576-583.