Estimation of conduit network geometry of a karst aquifer by the means of groundwater flow modeling (Bure, Switzerland)
Year: 2003
Type: article
Abstract: A steady-state two-dimensional groundwater flow model was developed using the combined discrete channel and continuum approach in order to estimate the spatial configuration and hydraulic properties of the karst conduit system in the Bure Aquifer, Ajoie, Switzerland.The research site is 83 km² in area and is located in NW Switzerland. It is underlain by gently folded layers of limestones and marls of Malm age. The aquifer is 300-400 m thick, delimited from below by a thick sequence of marls, and it contains three marl intercalations. The Malm plateau is dissected by normal faults, which form a succession of elongated horst and graben structures.
A 10 km long section of the entire conduit system was explored. The flow model was calibrated by changing conduit spatial configuration and conductivity. A uniform average hydraulic conductivity derived from borehole tests was applied to the fissured rock matrix. Measured average hydraulic heads, average spring discharges and catchment boundaries were used as model control parameters. Catchment boundaries were designated from tracing tests.
Flow simulations suggest the existence of extended karst systems, each extending to the catchment boundaries, having a hydraulic conductivity proportional to the measured spring discharges.
Source: BOLETÍN GEOLÓGICO Y MINERO
Author: Attila Kovács
Language: English
Subfield: Earth-Surface Processes
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W51144782