Analysing the capabilities and limitations of tracer tests in stream-aquifer systems

B.J. Wagner; J. W. Harvey

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USGS · 70023901

Analysing the capabilities and limitations of tracer tests in stream-aquifer systems

B.J. Wagner·J. W. Harvey

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Abstract

The goal of this study was to identify the limitations that apply when we couple conservative-tracer injection with reactive solute sampling to identify the transport and reaction processes active in a stream. Our methodology applies Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis to assess the ability of the tracer approach to identify the governing transport and reaction processes for a wide range of stream-solute transport and reaction scenarios likely to be encountered in high-gradient streams. Our analyses identified dimensionless factors that define the capabilities and limitations of the tracer approach. These factors provide a framework for comparing and contrasting alternative tracer test designs.

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B.J. Wagner, J. W. Harvey. 2001. Analysing the capabilities and limitations of tracer tests in stream-aquifer systems. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70023901

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