Nonlinear Flow in Karst Formations

Authors

David A. Chin, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Miami
René M. Price, Department of Earth Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International UniversityFollow
Vincent J. Difrenna, Everglades National ParkFollow

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.

Comments

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation through the Florida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Research program under Cooperative Agreements #DBI-0620409 and #DEB-9910514. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Recommended Citation

Chin, D.A., R.M. Price, V.J. DiFrenna. 2009. Nonlinear Flow in Karst Formations. Ground Water 47(5): 669-674.