Author(s): Diepiriye Chenaboso Okujagu¹, Bethel Emmanuel Nyejekwe²

Abstract:

Aquifer heterogeneity in fractured and folded terrains is mainly controlled by the structural architecture of the faults, fractures and folds system. Because of this, traditional groundwater models have often failed to accurately predict rates of contaminant transport or water-well productivity. We suggest that it is possible to predict groundwater behaviour by integrating several key concepts and recent advances in structural hydrogeology. The goal is to predict aquifer evolution by combining high-fidelity field measurements, state-of-the-art geophysical imaging of subsurface properties and advanced numerical modeling. Faults and fractures, acting as either conduits or barriers to flow; (3) fold structures, enabling the preferential localization of high-permeability zones. Additionally, a detailed study of discrete fracture network (DFN), continuum and hybrid modelling approaches shows that the accuracy of the models’ predictions is critically dependent on structural fidelity and adequate combination of data from multiple methods. Through several case studies, we show that structural reconnaissance is the most important prerequisite for successful site characterization, water resources management and environmental remediation. The monitoring and modeling of complex engineering structures should be considered as a multilevel task not at an object, but rather at a process level. This has direct implications for public health and water management, which are critical components of sustainable development.

Keywords: Structural hydrogeology, fault zone permeability, discrete fracture network, contaminant transport, fractured rock, fold-controlled aquifers, groundwater contamination.

DOI: 10.61165/sk.publisher.v12i10.2

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Predictive Structural Hydrogeology: A Framework for Forecasting Aquifer Dynamics and Contamination Risk

Pages:14-27