Characterization of a Dipole Flow System Using Point Velocity Probes

Abstract

A direct groundwater velocity measurement tool, the Point Velocity Probe, was developed to measure velocities in the vertical and horizontal directions. The tool was designed and tested in a low-cost laboratory flow-through tank. Following testing, the tool was deployed in the field surrounding a dipole well used to conduct an aquifer tracer test. The velocity data showed some deviations from modeled behavior and was used to characterize the heterogeneity of the aquifer. The results from the flow and transport modeling suggest that the area very close to the well was extremely important to the behavior of tracers in the dipole flow system. Finally, a simple model was developed to optimize hydraulic conductivity using the velocity data with good results.