Nonlinear flow in karst formations

Ground Water. 2009 Sep-Oct;47(5):669-74. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-6584.2009.00574.x.

Abstract

The variation of effective hydraulic conductivity as a function of specific discharge in several 0.2-m and 0.3-m cubes of Key Largo Limestone was investigated. The experimental results closely match the Forchheimer equation. Defining the pore-size length scale in terms of Forchheimer parameters, it is demonstrated that significant deviations from Darcian flow will occur when the Reynolds number exceeds 0.11. A particular threshold model previously proposed for use in karstic formations does not show strong agreement with the data near the onset of nonlinear flow.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Water Movements*