State of the art of the numerical modelling of density-dependent hydrogeological systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21701/bolgeomin.118.especial.001Keywords:
deep aquifers, density-dependent flow, groundwater numerical modelling, sea-water intrusionAbstract
The numerical representation of hydrogeological systems, taking into account the variability of fluid density, is an aspect that should not be elude in studies of coastal aquifers or in many cases of deep-level storage of toxic waste. Developing such numerical models is a complex and demanding task, the results of which are subject to considerable uncertainty. This is due to the numerical limitations affecting the various methods applied, to the scarcity of data and to the uncertainty characteristic of the information regarding such systems. Adequate knowledge of the numerical code to be applied would enable technicians to optimise resources and rationalise study procedures. The present paper presents an updated state of the art of the numerical modelling of hydrogeological systems under variable density conditions. An overview is provided of methods of the representation, with special attention paid to numerical techniques and particular aspects involved in developing numerical models. A brief description is made of the most noteworthy numerical codes and of the leading international projects carried out over the last two decades to validate such codes, together with some comments on the inherent limitations of the obtained results.
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