TY - GEN
T1 - Electrical resistivity imaging and fluid modeling of free convection in a coastal Sabkha
AU - Van Dam, Remke L.
AU - Eustice, Brian P.
AU - Wood, Warren W.
AU - Hyndman, David W.
AU - Simmons, Craig T.
PY - 2012/1/1
Y1 - 2012/1/1
N2 - Free convection is a process by which mixing of fluids occurs over larger scales and at faster rates than Fickian transport; this process is of critical importance for a range of environmental issues. Despite decades of research, the understanding of this phenomenon still largely stems from theoretical studies, lab experiments, numerical modeling, and secondary field observations. In this contribution, we present a time-lapse field study of free convection in a coastal sabkha in the United Arab Emirates. Using electrical resistivity imaging data collected during three field campaigns, we demonstrate that free convection at this site originates from episodic large rainfall events that drive salt dissolution at the surface and infiltration of a dense brine to the water table. Our observations, including the rates of downward migration and dissipation of the dense fingers, are corroborated by hydrodynamic modeling of the system.
AB - Free convection is a process by which mixing of fluids occurs over larger scales and at faster rates than Fickian transport; this process is of critical importance for a range of environmental issues. Despite decades of research, the understanding of this phenomenon still largely stems from theoretical studies, lab experiments, numerical modeling, and secondary field observations. In this contribution, we present a time-lapse field study of free convection in a coastal sabkha in the United Arab Emirates. Using electrical resistivity imaging data collected during three field campaigns, we demonstrate that free convection at this site originates from episodic large rainfall events that drive salt dissolution at the surface and infiltration of a dense brine to the water table. Our observations, including the rates of downward migration and dissipation of the dense fingers, are corroborated by hydrodynamic modeling of the system.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84994068825&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1190/segam2012-1273.1
DO - 10.1190/segam2012-1273.1
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:84994068825
SN - 9781622769452
T3 - Society of Exploration Geophysicists International Exposition and 82nd Annual Meeting 2012, SEG 2012
SP - 3994
EP - 3999
BT - Society of Exploration Geophysicists International Exposition and 82nd Annual Meeting 2012, SEG 2012
PB - Society of Exploration Geophysicists
T2 - Society of Exploration Geophysicists International Exposition and 82nd Annual Meeting 2012, SEG 2012
Y2 - 4 November 2012 through 9 November 2012
ER -