Abstract
A geostatistical methodology is developed with the aim of simulating three-dimensional grids of transmissivity. The case study is a highly heterogeneous massif rock body, mainly composed of granites and schists with distinct weathering and fracture conditions, that surrounds and is part of a former uranium mine in central Portugal. Contrasting hydraulic behaviour is given by fractured rock and a pervasively weathered rock matrix composed mainly by clay minerals. Lithology, weathering, and fracture were the geological attributes selected for simulation. Data and information were analysed in detail for their respective integration into a sequential geostatistical modelling approach. The simulation process was conditioned to local data histograms. Simulation images of transmissivity show high degrees of heterogeneity both laterally and vertically. Potential areas for high-flow propagation are restricted in number and interconnectivity is not particularly evident. Small channels, the main structures responsible for groundwater flow propagation, can be identified within the rock body.
Résumé
Une méthode géostatistique est développée afin de simuler des grilles de transmissivité tridimensionnelles. Le massif étudié est constitué de formations géologiques fortement hétérogènes, il est principalement composé de granites et schistes soumis à des conditions d’altération et de fracturation diverses, qui entourent et constituent partiellement une ancienne mine d’uranium dans le centre du Portugal. Les roches fracturées et une matrice rocheuse intensément altérée, majoritairement composée de minéraux argileux, confèrent un comportement hydraulique contrasté. Les attributs géologiques retenus pour la simulation étaient la lithologie, l’altération et la fracturation. Les données et les informations ont été analysées en détail en vue de leur intégration respective dans une approche par modélisation géostatistique séquentielle. Le traitement par simulation a été conditionné à des histogrammes de données locales. La visualisation des simulations de transmissivité montre de fortes hétérogénéités, autant latérales que verticales. Les secteurs potentiels de propagation de flux élevés sont peu nombreux et leur interconnexion n’est. pas spécialement évidente. De petits conduits, constituant les principales structures propageant les flux d’eau souterraine, peuvent être identifiés dans le massif.
Resumen
Se desarrolla una metodologa geoestadstica con el objetivo de simular cuadrículas tridimensionales de transmisividad. El estudio de caso es un macizo rocoso altamente heterogéneo, compuesto principalmente por granitos y esquistos con distintas condiciones de meteorización y fractura, que rodea y forma parte de una antigua mina de uranio en el centro de Portugal. El comportamiento hidráulico contrastante está dado por la roca fracturada y una matriz de roca meteorizada en forma generalizada compuesta principalmente por minerales arcillosos. Litología, meteorización y fractura fueron los atributos geológicos seleccionados para la simulación. Los datos y la información se analizaron en detalle para su integración respectiva en un enfoque de modelización geoestadística secuencial. El proceso de simulación se condicionó a histogramas de datos locales. Las imágenes de simulación de la transmisividad muestran altos grados de heterogeneidad tanto lateral como verticalmente. El número de áreas potenciales para la propagación de alto flujo está restringido y la interconectividad no es particularmente evidente. Los canales pequeños, las principales estructuras responsables de la propagación del flujo de agua subterránea, pueden ser identificados dentro de la masa rocosa.
摘要
开发了模拟导水系数的三维网络的地质统计学方法。案例研究区是主要由具有明显风化和裂隙特征的花岗岩和片岩组成的高度非均质山丘岩体,周边是葡萄牙中部的前铀矿,案例区也包括一部分前铀矿区。在裂隙和主要由粘土矿物组成的普遍风化基质中发现明显不同的水力特征。选择岩性,风化程度和裂隙作为模拟的地质属性。详细分析了各类数据和信息,并将它们集成到序贯地质统计建模方法中。模拟过程以局部数据直方图展示。导水系数的模拟图像在侧向和垂向上均显示出高度的非均质性。高流量传导的潜在区域个数得到辨识,并且互连性不是特别明显。小通道是影响地下水流传导的主要结构,可以在岩体内进行识别。
Resumo
Uma metodologia geostatística foi desenvolvida com o objetivo de simular malhas tridimensionais de transmissividade. O caso de estudo é o de um maciço rochoso extremamente heterogéneo, maioritariamente composto por granitos e xistos com distintos graus de alteração e fracturação, localizado na envolvente a uma antiga mina de urânio situada na Zona Centro de Portugal. Neste maciço é evidente a existência de comportamentos hidráulicos distintos e contrastantes devidos a matrizes rochosas fraturadas e matrizes pervasivamente alteradas compostas maioritariamente por minerais argilosos. A litologia, o grau de alteração e a fracturação foram os atributos geológicos selecionados para simulação. Os dados e a informação disponível foram analisados em detalhe para respetiva integração de modo adequado num processo de simulação geostatística sequencial. O processo de simulação foi condicionado aos histogramas locais dos dados. Os resultados da simulação mostram imagens simuladas de transmissividade bastante heterogéneas quer lateralmente, quer em profundidade. As potenciais áreas com fluxos de maior caudal são restritas e escassas e a sua interconectividade não é particularmente evidente. No maciço rochoso observam-se pequenos canais locais que constituem as principais estruturas responsáveis pela propagação de fluxos.
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The authors thank Midland Valley for the possibility of using software MOVE 2012.1 in accordance with the agreement conditions established with FCT Universidade NOVA.
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This work is a contribution to Project UID/GEO/04035/2013 funded by FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, in Portugal.
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Barbosa, S., Almeida, J. & Chambel, A. A geostatistical methodology to simulate the transmissivity in a highly heterogeneous rock body based on borehole data and pumping tests. Hydrogeol J 27, 1969–1998 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-019-01980-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-019-01980-7