Fractional dynamics of tracer transport in fractured media from local to regional scales

• Authors: Yong Zhang , Donald Reeves , Karl Pohlmann , Jenny Chapman , Charles Russell
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

Tracer transport through fractured media exhibits concurrent direction-dependent super-diffusive spreading along high-permeability fractures and sub-diffusion caused by mass transfer between fractures and the rock matrix. The resultant complex dynamics challenge the applicability of conventional physical models based on Fick’s law. This study proposes a multi-scaling tempered fractional-derivative (TFD) model to explore fractional dynamics for tracer transport in fractured media. Applications show that the TFD model can capture anomalous transport observed in small-scale single fractures, intermediate-scale fractured aquifers, and two-dimensional large-scale discrete fracture networks. Tracer transport in fractured media from local (0.255-meter long) to regional (400-meter long) scales therefore can be quantified by a general fractional-derivative model. Fractional dynamics in fractured media can be scale dependent, owning to 1) the finite length of fractures that constrains the large displacement of tracers, and 2) the increasing mass exchange capacity along the travel path that enhances sub-diffusion.

Keywords

EN

fractional dynamics; multi-scaling tempered fractional-derivative model; fractured media; super- and sub-diffusion

• Publisher: De Gruyter Open
• Journal: Open Physics
• Year: 2013
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 634-645

Dates

published

1 - 6 - 2013

online

9 - 10 - 2013

Contributors

author

Yong Zhang

• Desert Research Institute, 755 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV, 89119, USA

author

Donald Reeves

• Desert Research Institute, 2212 Raggio Parkway, Reno, NV, 89512, USA

author

Karl Pohlmann

• Desert Research Institute, 755 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV, 89119, USA

author

Jenny Chapman

• Desert Research Institute, 755 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV, 89119, USA

author

Charles Russell

• Desert Research Institute, 755 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV, 89119, USA

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Identifiers

DOI

10.2478/s11534-013-0200-x