Grantee Research Project Results

1999 Progress Report: A Method for Characterizing the Vadose Zone and Monitoring Solute Transport

EPA Grant Number: R827114
Title: A Method for Characterizing the Vadose Zone and Monitoring Solute Transport
Investigators: Yeh, Tian-Chyi J. , Warrick, Arthur W.
Institution: University of Arizona
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: October 1, 1998 through September 30, 2001 (Extended to September 30, 2002)
Project Period Covered by this Report: October 1, 1998 through September 30, 1999
Project Amount: $359,955
RFA: Exploratory Research - Physics (1998) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Land and Waste Management , Air , Safer Chemicals

Objective:

The objective of this project is to develop new techniques for identifying distributions of heterogeneity and contaminants in the subsurface.

Progress Summary:

During the last funding period, we have accomplished two important tasks of the research. First, we have developed a robust sequential estimation methodology that allows a large amount of moisture or pressure measurements over space to be partitioned into many subsets, and then each subset can be sequentially included in the estimation procedure. This is an important breakthrough in the development of an efficient estimation technology. Because of its efficiency, we were able to develop an efficient and robust inverse model for three-dimensional flow in variably saturated and heterogeneous porous media, the second important task of the research. Using this inverse model, we have shown that a large amount of pressure and moisture content measurements in space can yield an image of vadose zone heterogeneity in great detail such that it improves our characterization of the vadose zone.

Future Activities:

We currently are developing a new interpretation scheme for the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey. This new scheme will make the ERT a cost-effective tool for measuring a large amount of moisture content of a large volume of geological formations. Such a large amount of moisture information can assist our inverse model for the vadose zone. Thus, we can correctly forecast migration of water and contaminants in the vadose zone.

Journal Articles on this Report : 2 Displayed | Download in RIS Format

Publications Views
Other project views:	All 5 publications	5 publications in selected types	All 5 journal articles

Publications
Type	Citation	Project	Document Sources
Journal Article	Hughson DL, Yeh TCJ. An inverse model for three-dimensional flow in variably saturated porous media. Water Resource Research 2000;36(4):829-839.	R827114 (1999)	Full-text: Wiley - Full Text PDF Exit Abstract: Wiley - Abstract HTML Exit
Journal Article	Vargas-Guzman JA, Yeh TCJ. Sequential kriging and cokriging: Two powerful geostatistical approaches. Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment 1999;13(6):416-435.	R827114 (1999)	Abstract: SpringerLink - Abstract HTML Exit

Supplemental Keywords:

sequential kriging, hydrologic and geophysical joint inversion, physics, site characterization, subsurface., Scientific Discipline, Water, Waste, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Hydrology, Physics, Restoration, Ecology and Ecosystems, Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Groundwater remediation, hydraulic properties, sloute transport monitoring, moisture content, solute transport monitoring, remediation, aquatic ecosystems, environmental rehabilitation, pressure distribution, groundwater contamination, electrical resistivity tomography, vadose zone, groundwater pollution

Relevant Websites:

http://www.hwr.arizona.edu

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.