HSA2: Symposium on Characterization and Modelling of Variable Density flow in Groundwater

Conveners: Dr. C. Peter Jackson, AEA Technology, Harwell, UK

Prof. Dr. Manfred Koch, University of Kassel, Germany

Variations in groundwater density, resulting from, for example, variations in salinity or temperature, can have a big effect on groundwater flow. They may drive flow or, in the case of stable stratification, act to reduce flow. In turn, groundwater flow may transport salinity and/or heat. In the management of groundwater resources, especially in the vicinity of coastal regions where saltwater intrusion is often a problem,in aquifers where saltwater upconing due to pumping occurs, and in the development of waste disposal facilities, it may be very important to take into account the impact of these processes.

Numerical modelling of variable-density groundwater flow can be hard because the governing equations are coupled and may be highly non-linear. There are also important issues in the characterisation of variable-density flow systems, such as the proper definition of the constitutive equations, the determination of suitable boundary conditions and the time scales of variation in the flow system. The aim of this session is to bring together geologists, hydrogeologists and engineers interested as well in the field and laboratory description as in themodelling of variable-density groundwater flows to discuss techniques used, with particular interest in robust and efficient calculational approaches.

Deadline for receipt of abstracts: 15 December 1998