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Fractured Sedimentary Rock Aquifers

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Aquifer Characterization Techniques

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Abstract

Fractured sedimentary rock contains two domains, the fractures and adjoining rock matrix. Fractures often provide most of the aquifer transmissivity, whereas the bulk of water and solute storage may occur in the matrix. The concentration of flow in fractures, which constitutes a very minor part of the total volume of the strata, results in greater flow velocities and travel distances than would occur in single-porosity systems. Characterization of fractured aquifers typically involves a multiple-method approach that includes identification of fractures, determination of whether or not identified fractures are hydraulically active, and determination of the hydraulic properties of the fractures and fractured zones. Fractured rock aquifers may be modeled using either a single-continuum (equivalent porous media), dual-continuum, or discrete fracture network approach.

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  1. Schlumberger Water Services, Fort Myers, FL, USA

    Robert G. Maliva

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  1. Robert G. Maliva
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Maliva, R.G. (2016). Fractured Sedimentary Rock Aquifers. In: Aquifer Characterization Techniques. Springer Hydrogeology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-32137-0_17

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