Grantee Research Project Results
2000 Progress Report: Superior Subsurface Characterization Using Fractal-Based Hydraulic Conductivity Distributions
EPA Grant Number: R826171Title: 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, 1999 through November 16, 2000
Project Amount: $218,961
RFA: Exploratory Research - Environmental Engineering (1997) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Safer Chemicals , Land and Waste Management
Objective:
The objectives of the project are to: (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:
During the third year of the grant, the main focus was on writing a general computer program to generate fractional Brownian motion (fBm) or truncated fractional Levy motion (tfLm) in one, two, or three dimensions. This has now been accomplished, and a manuscript describing the procedures has been submitted recently for publication in the peer-reviewed journal Mathematical Geology. Included is a capability for generating anisotropic versions of fBm or tfLm. One thing that has bothered us is that data indicate that K distributions do not exhibit purely Gaussian behavior or purely Levy-stable behavior, while at the same time displaying scaling properties characteristic of fractals. Even more recently, a methodology has been developed, which is being called the fractal/facies model, that largely overcomes this problem, while at the same time resulting in a procedure for conditioning a fractal model on large-scale geologic structure. The fractal/facies concept was presented at the fall 2000 meeting of the American Geophysical Union, and a manuscript is in preparation.Future Activities:
During the final year of our project, existing manuscripts will be revised and published, and at least one additional manuscript on the fractal/facies model will be submitted. One or more presentations are anticipated as well. Until additional information becomes available, we no longer consider multifractals as practical candidates for K representation.Journal Articles on this Report : 3 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
| Other project views: | All 9 publications | 4 publications in selected types | All 4 journal articles |
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Lu S, Molz FJ, Boufadel MC. Numerical studies of flow and solute transport in three-dimensional, anisotropic, fractal porous media. Journal of Contaminant Transport 2000. |
R826171 (2000) R826171 (Final) |
not available |
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Lu S, Molz FJ. How well are hydraulic conductivity variations approximated by additive stable processes? Advances in Environmental Research 2000, Volume 5, Issue 1, February 2001, Pages 39-45. |
R826171 (2000) R826171 (Final) |
not available |
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Lu S, Molz FJ. An efficient, three-dimensional, anisotropic, Fractional Brownian motion and truncated fractional Levy motion simulation method. Journal of Mathematical Geology 2000;29(1):15-25 |
R826171 (2000) R826171 (Final) |
Exit 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 modelsProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe 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.