Abstract
The combined use of pumping and tracer test data enabled the derivation of equivalent average hydraulic conductivities (K avg) for each test in a heterogeneous channelized alluvial aquifer, whereas K values of the preferential flow paths were two orders of magnitude higher. Greater and earlier drawdown was generally observed along preferential flow lines in a pumping test, within an array of 21 wells. The study aim was to characterize hydraulic properties of a channelized aquifer system in New Zealand by combining tracer and pumping test data. Estimates were able to be made of the percentage of highly permeable channels within the profile (∼1.2%), effective porosity that reflected the maximum fraction of highly permeable channels within the aquifer (ϕ eff –pc ∼0.0038), and flows through highly permeable channels (∼98%) and the sandy gravel matrix material (∼2%). Using ϕ eff –pc, a tracer test K avg value (∼93 m/day) was estimated that was equivalent to pumping test values (∼100 m/day), but two orders of magnitude smaller than K calculated solely from transport through permeable channels (K pc ∼8,400 m/day). Derived K values of permeable and matrix material were similar to values derived from grain size distribution using the Kozeny-Carman equation.
Résumé
L’utilisation combinée de données obtenues par pompage d’essai et par traçage a permis de déduire des conductivités hydrauliques moyennes (K avg) pour chacun des tests dans un aquifère alluvial hétérogène parcouru de chenaux, alors que les valeurs de K des lignes d’écoulement préférentiel étaient plus élevées de deux ordres de grandeur. Un rabattement plus important et antérieur a été observé en général le long de lignes d’écoulement préférentiel lors d’un pompage d’essai, au sein d’un dispositif de 21 puits. Le but de l’étude était de caractériser les propriétés hydrauliques d’un système aquifère parcouru de chenaux, en Nouvelle Zélande, en combinant des donnés de traçage et de pompage d’essai. Des estimations ont pu être faites du pourcentage de chenaux très perméables dans la section (∼1.2%), de la porosité efficace qui reflétait la fraction maximum de chenaux très perméables au sein de l’aquifère (ϕ off–pc ∼0.0038), et des écoulements à travers des chenaux très perméables (∼98%) et du matériau de la matrice de gravier sableux (∼2%). En utilisant ϕ off–pc, une valeur de K avg des tests de traçage (∼93 m/jour) a été estimée qui était équivalente aux valeurs des pompages d’essai (∼100 m/jour), mais deux ordres de grandeur plus petite que K calculé uniquement à partir du transit à travers des chenaux perméables (K pc ∼8.400 m/jour). Des valeurs de K déduites du matériau perméable et de la matrice étaient semblables aux valeurs obtenues à partir de la distribution de la taille des grains en utilisant l’équation de Kozeny-Carman.
Resumen
El uso combinado de ensayos de bombeo y trazadores permitió la estimación de las conductividades hidráulicas promedio (K prom) para cada ensayo en un acuífero heterogéneo canalizado, en tanto que los valores de K de las vías preferenciales de flujo resultaron dos órdenes de magnitud mayores. En una batería de 21 pozos, se observaron descensos mayores y más rápidos en ensayos de bombeo a lo largo de líneas preferenciales de flujo. El propósito del estudio fue la caracterización de las propiedades hidráulicas de un sistema acuífero canalizado en Nueza Zelandia, mediante la combinación de datos de ensayos de bombeo y trazadores. Fue posible estimar el porcentaje de canales de alta permeabilidad en el perfil (∼1.2%), la porosidad efectiva que refleja la fracción máxima de canales de alta permeabilidad en el acuífero (ϕ ef–cp ∼0.0038), y el flujo a través de los canales de alta permeabilidad (∼98%) y la matriz de grava y arena (∼2%). Utilizando ϕ ef–cp, con un ensayo de trazador se estimó la K prom (∼93 m/día) que resultó equivalente a la obtenida lcon ensayos de bombeo (∼100 m/día), aunque dos órdenes de magnitud menor que la K calculada a partir del transporte a través de canales permeables (K cp ∼8,400 m/día). Las estimaciones de la K de la matriz y del material permeable son similares a los valores derivados de la distribución del tamaño de granos usando la ecuación de Kozeny-Carman.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Environment Canterbury (ECAN) for financing the Burnham well installation and also assisting with the running and interpretation of the pump test. In addition we would like to thank Grant Davey (formerly of ECAN) for his geological insights, photos and suggestions. The authors would also like to thank Tom Cochrane from the University of Canterbury for valuable comments and suggestions and also an anonymous reviewer whose comments and suggestions greatly improved the manuscript.
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Dann, R.L., Close, M.E., Pang, L. et al. Complementary use of tracer and pumping tests to characterize a heterogeneous channelized aquifer system in New Zealand. Hydrogeol J 16, 1177–1191 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-008-0291-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-008-0291-4