Pore network modeling of the electrical signature of solute transport in dual-domain media

Geophysical Research Letters
By: , and 

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Abstract

Dual-domain models are used to explain anomalous solute transport behavior observed in diverse hydrologic settings and applications, from groundwater remediation to hyporheic exchange. To constrain such models, new methods are needed with sensitivity to both immobile and mobile domains. Recent experiments indicate that dual-domain transport of ionic tracers has an observable geoelectrical signature, appearing as a nonlinear, hysteretic relation between paired bulk and fluid electrical conductivity. Here we present a mechanistic explanation for this geoelectrical signature and evaluate assumptions underlying a previously published petrophysical model for bulk conductivity in dual-domain media. Pore network modeling of fluid flow, solute transport, and electrical conduction (1) verifies the geoelectrical signature of dual-domain transport, (2) reveals limitations of the previously used petrophysical model, and (3) demonstrates that a new petrophysical model, based on differential effective media theory, closely approximates the simulated bulk/fluid conductivity relation. These findings underscore the potential of geophysically based calibration of dual-domain models.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Pore network modeling of the electrical signature of solute transport in dual-domain media
Series title Geophysical Research Letters
DOI 10.1002/2017GL073326
Volume 44
Issue 10
Year Published 2017
Language English
Publisher American Geophysical Union
Contributing office(s) WMA - Earth System Processes Division
Description 9 p.
First page 4908
Last page 4916
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