A two-Dimensional finite volume method for variable density flow and solute transport through saturated-unsaturated media

Abstract

Extensive groundwater withdrawal has resulted in a
severe seawater intrusion problem in the Gooburrum
aquifers at Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. Better
management strategies can be implemented by
understanding the seawater intrusion processes in those
aquifers. To study the seawater intrusion process in the
region, a two-dimensional density-dependent, saturated
and unsaturated flow and transport computational model
is used. The model consists of a coupled system of two
non-linear partial differential equations. The first
equation describes the flow of a variable-density fluid,
and the second equation describes the transport of
dissolved salt.
A two-dimensional control volume finite element
model is developed for simulating the seawater intrusion
into the heterogeneous aquifer system at Gooburrum.
The simulation results provide a realistic mechanism by
which to study the convoluted transport phenomena
evolving in this complex heterogeneous coastal aquifer.