Grantee Research Project Results

1998 Progress Report: Superior Subsurface Characterization Using Fractal-Based Hydraulic Conductivity Distributions

EPA Grant Number: R826171
Title: Superior Subsurface Characterization Using Fractal-Based Hydraulic Conductivity Distributions
Investigators: Molz, Fred J.
Current Investigators: Molz, Fred J. , Lu, Silong
Institution: Clemson University
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: November 17, 1997 through November 16, 2000 (Extended to November 16, 2001)
Project Period Covered by this Report: November 17, 1997 through November 16, 1998
Project Amount: $218,961
RFA: Exploratory Research - Environmental Engineering (1997) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Safer Chemicals , Land and Waste Management

Objective:

(1) Identify fractal structure in existing hydraulic conductivity data sets, (2) develop and evaluate a general scheme for generating fractal property realizations conditioned on the data, and (3) incorporate the methodology into a series of computer programs for general purpose use.

Progress Summary:

The main accomplishment this year was to develop and understand the full generalization of stochastic monofractals as they apply to one-, two-, and three-dimensional representation of intrinsically positive property distributions in porous media, such as hydraulic conductivity. This includes Gaussian as well as non-Gaussian monofractals. Preliminary programs have been developed for detecting various types of fractal structure and also for generating conditioned realizations of such structure. As a result of this work, several presentations were given at National meetings, and we are in the initial stages of preparing manuscripts for publication. Thus the project is well on schedule.

Future Activities:

During the next year the main objective will be to solidify our plan for detecting, identifying, and simulating fractal-like structure in anisotropic hydraulic conductivity data. The possible new data set mentioned in the original proposal has recently become available, so the selected techniques will be tested on that data set, as well as on data sets that we already have. Several manuscripts will be finalized and submitted to leading journals, and additional presentations are anticipated. Work on computer-based algorithms for identifying and simulating fractal structure will continue, with increasing emphasis on polishing the codes for general use even though the numerical details may change prior to release.

Journal Articles on this Report : 1 Displayed | Download in RIS Format

Publications Views
Other project views:	All 9 publications	4 publications in selected types	All 4 journal articles

Publications
Type	Citation	Project	Document Sources
Journal Article	Liu HH, Molz FJ. Comment on “Scaling of random fields by means of truncated power variograms and associated spectra” by Vittorio Di Federico and Shlomo P. Neuman. Water Resources Research 1998;34(11):3207-3208.	R826171 (1998) R826171 (Final) R826765 (Final)	Full-text: Water Resources Research - Full Text PDF Exit

Supplemental Keywords:

porous media, transport, characterization., Scientific Discipline, Waste, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Environmental Chemistry, Fate & Transport, Environmental Engineering, risk assessment, natural attenuation, computer science, subsurface characterization, fractal properties, hydraulic conductivity, porous media, contaminant transport models

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.