Review of Modeling Approaches to Groundwater Flow in Deformed Carbonate Aquifers

We discuss techniques to represent groundwater flow in carbonate aquifers using the three existing modeling approaches: equivalent porous medium, conduit network, and discrete fracture network. Fractures faulted stratigraphic successions are characterized by dominant sets of sub-vertical joints. Grid rotation is recommended medium match higher hydraulic conductivity with orientation Modeling faults throws greater than approximately 100 m more challenging. Such combined conduit-barrier behavior. The barrier behavior can be modeled Horizontal Flow Barrier Package a low-permeability vertical inserted impediment horizontal sharp drops piezometric surface. Cavities occur parallel strike normal generating channels for groundwater. In this case, models need account turbulence network approach. Channels embedded an due cavities few centimeters large, which present even areas low gradients. Discrete enables representation individual rock discontinuities dimensions. This approach used non-heavily karstified at industrial sites was recently simulate diffusivity matrix. Following review, we recommend that future research combines practiced order capture structural aspects rocks.