Estimation of the anisotropy of hydraulic conductivity through 3D fracture networks using the directional geological entropy

With an extension of the geological entropy concept in porous media,the approach called directional entrogram is applied to link hydraulic behavior to the anisotropy of the 3D fracture networks.A metric called directional entropic scale is used to measure the anisotropy of spatial order in different directions.Compared with the traditional connectivity indexes based on the statistics of fracture geometry,the directional entropic scale is capable to quantify the anisotropy of connectivity and hydraulic conductivity in heterogeneous 3D fracture networks.According to the numerical analysis of directional entrogram and fluid flow in a number of the 3D fracture networks,the hydraulic conductivities and entropic scales in different directions both increase with spatial order(i.e.,trace length decreasing and spacing increasing)and are independent of the dip angle.As a result,the nonlinear correlation between the hydraulic conductivities and entropic scales from different directions can be unified as quadratic polynomial function,which can shed light on the anisotropic effect of spatial order and global entropy on the heterogeneous hydraulic behaviors.

Spatiotemporal variations of sand hydraulic conductivity by microbial application methods

The spatiotemporal distributions of microbes in soil by different methods could affect the efficacy of the microbes to reduce the soil hydraulic conductivity.In this study,the specimens of bio-mediated sands were prepared using three different methods,i.e.injecting,mixing,and pouring a given microbial so-lution onto compacted sand specimens.The hydraulic conductivity was measured by constant-head tests,while any soil microstructural changes due to addition of the microbes were observed by scan-ning electron microscope(SEM)and mercury intrusion porosimetry(MIP)tests.The amount of dextran concentration produced by microbes in each type of specimen was quantified by a refractometer.Results show that dextran production increased exponentially after 5-7 d of microbial settling with the supply of culture medium.The injection and mixing methods resulted in a similar amount and uniform dis-tribution of dextran in the specimens.The pouring method,however,produced a nonuniform distri-bution,with a higher concentration near the specimen surface.As the supply of culture medium discontinued,the dextran content near the surface produced by the pouring method decreased dramatically due to high competition for nutrients with foreign colonies.Average dextran concentration was negatively and correlated with hydraulic conductivity of bio-mediated soils exponentially,due to the clogging of large soil pores by dextran.The hydraulic conductivity of the injection and mixing cases did not change significantly when the supply of culture medium was absent.

Vertical distribution characteristics of soil saturated hydraulic conductivity under different land use patterns in the Mu Us sandy land

Background,aim,and scope Soil saturated hydraulic conductivity(K_(s))is a key parameter in the hydrological cycle of soil;however,we have very limited understanding of K_(s) characteristics and the factors that inf luence this key parameter in the Mu Us sandy land(MUSL).Quantifying the impact of changes in land use in the Mu Us sandy land on K_(s) will provide a key foundation for understanding the regional water cycle,but will also provide a scientific basis for the governance of the MUSL.Materials and methods In this study,we determined K_(s) and the basic physical and chemical properties of soil(i.e.,organic matter,bulk density,and soil particle composition)within the first 100 cm layer of four different land use patterns(farmland,tree,shrub,and grassland)in the MUSL.The vertical variation of K_(s) and the factors that influence this key parameter were analyzed and a transfer function for estimating K_(s) was established based on a multiple stepwise regression model.Results The K_(s) of farmland,tree,and shrub increased gradually with soil depth while that of grassland remained unchanged.The K_(s) of the four patterns of land use were moderately variable;mean K_(s)values were ranked as follows:grassland(1.38 mm·min^(-1))<tree(1.76 mm·min^(-1))<farmland(1.82 mm·min^(-1))<shrub(3.30 mm·min^(-1)).The correlation between K_(s) and organic matter,bulk density,and soil particle composition,varied across different land use patterns.A multiple stepwise regression model showed that silt,coarse sand,bulk density,and organic matter,were key predictive factors for the K_(s) of farmland,tree,shrub,and grassland,in the MUSL.Discussion The vertical distribution trend for K_(s) in farmland is known to be predominantly influenced by cultivation,fertilization,and other factors.The general aim is to improve the water-holding capacity of shallow soil on farmland(0-30 cm in depth)to conserve water and nutrients;research has shown that the K_(s) of farmland increases with soil depth.The root growth of tree and shrub in sandy land exerts mechanical force on the soil due to biophysical processes involving rhizospheres,thus leading to a significant change in K_(s).We found that shallow high-density fine roots increased the volume of soil pores and eliminated large pores,thus resulting in a reduction in shallow K_(s).Therefore,the K_(s) of tree and shrub increased with soil depth.Analysis also showed that the K_(s) of grassland did not change significantly and exhibited the lowest mean value when compared to other land use patterns.This finding was predominantly due to the shallow root system of grasslands and because this land use pattern is not subject to human activities such as cultivation and fertilization;consequently,there was no significant change in K_(s) with depth;grassland also had the lowest mean K_(s).We also established a transfer function for K_(s) for different land use patterns in the MUSL.However,the predictive factors for K_(s) in different land use patterns are known to be affected by soil cultivation methods,vegetation restoration modes,the distribution of soil moisture,and other factors,thus resulting in key differences.Therefore,when using the transfer function to predict K_(s) in other areas,it will be necessary to perform parameter calibration and further verification.Conclusions In the MUSL,the K_(s) of farmland,tree,and shrub gradually increased with soil depth;however,the K_(s) of grassland showed no significant variation in terms of vertical distribution.The mean K_(s) values of different land use patterns were ranked as follows:shrub>farmland>tree>grassland;all land use patterns showed moderate levels of variability.The K_(s) for different land use patterns exhibited differing degrees of correlation with soil physical and chemical properties;of these,clay,silt,sand,bulk density,and organic matter,were identified as important variables for predicting K_(s) in farmland,tree,shrub,and grassland,respectively.Recommendations and perspectives In this study,we used a stepwise multiple regression model to establish a transfer function prediction model for K_(s) for different land use patterns;this model possessed high estimation accuracy.The ability to predict K_(s) in the MUSL is very important in terms of the conservation of water and nutrients.

Saturated hydraulic conductivity of compacted bentonite-sand mixtures before and after gas migration in artificial seawater

To understand the self-healing property of an engineered barrier for radioactive waste disposal,the hydraulic conductivity of compacted bentoniteesand mixtures saturated with artificial seawater(SW)before and after gas migration was examined.Na-and Ca-bentonites were mixed with fine sand at a ratio of 70%bentonite in dry weight.Two aspects were considered during the experiment:the hydraulic conductivity of the specimen that was resaturated after gas migration and the distribution of water content immediately after gas migration to study gas migration pathways.The gas migrated through the entire cross-section of the specimen,and gas breakthrough occurred in the equilibrium swelling pressure range approximately.Subsequently,the gas flow rate reached a sufficient large value when the gas pressure was approximately twice the equilibrium axial pressure(the sum of swelling and confining pressures),which excluded the back pressure.Although the gas migration pathway was not visible when the specimen was observed immediately after gas migration,the water content distribution showed that several parts of the specimen with lower water content were connected in the direction of gas migration.After resaturation,the change in permeability was within a limited rangedtwo to three times larger than that before gas migration for each type of bentonite in SW.This slight change suggests that gas migration creates a pore structure that cannot be sealed via crystalline swelling of montmorillonite in SW,even if highly compacted bentonite is used under a constant-volume condition.

Experimental Analysis of Hydraulic Conductivity for Saturated Granular Soils

Hydraulic conductivity is the ability of a porous media to transfer water through its pore matrix. That is a key parameter for the design and analysis of soil fluid associated structures and issues. This paper presents the test results of the vertical hydraulic conductivity kv carried out on one poorly graded sand and three gap graded gravely sand. It was found that the vertical hydraulic conductivity of saturated soil depends on the grain size distribution curve, on the initial relative density of the soil. Compilation of these current test results and other test results published, shows that the common approaches predict well to some extent the vertical hydraulic conductivity kv for the poorly graded sand materials and underestimate the kv values for gap graded gravely sand materials. Therefore, new approaches are developed for the prediction of the vertical hydraulic conductivity in saturated poorly graded sand and gap graded gravely sand. The derived results from the new approaches lie in the range of the recommended values by (EAU 2012) and (NAVFAC DM 7 1974).

A review of reservoir damage during hydraulic fracturing of deep and ultra-deep reservoirs

Deep and ultra-deep reservoirs have gradually become the primary focus of hydrocarbon exploration as a result of a series of significant discoveries in deep hydrocarbon exploration worldwide.These reservoirs present unique challenges due to their deep burial depth(4500-8882 m),low matrix permeability,complex crustal stress conditions,high temperature and pressure(HTHP,150-200℃,105-155 MPa),coupled with high salinity of formation water.Consequently,the costs associated with their exploitation and development are exceptionally high.In deep and ultra-deep reservoirs,hydraulic fracturing is commonly used to achieve high and stable production.During hydraulic fracturing,a substantial volume of fluid is injected into the reservoir.However,statistical analysis reveals that the flowback rate is typically less than 30%,leaving the majority of the fluid trapped within the reservoir.Therefore,hydraulic fracturing in deep reservoirs not only enhances the reservoir permeability by creating artificial fractures but also damages reservoirs due to the fracturing fluids involved.The challenging“three-high”environment of a deep reservoir,characterized by high temperature,high pressure,and high salinity,exacerbates conventional forms of damage,including water sensitivity,retention of fracturing fluids,rock creep,and proppant breakage.In addition,specific damage mechanisms come into play,such as fracturing fluid decomposition at elevated temperatures and proppant diagenetic reactions at HTHP conditions.Presently,the foremost concern in deep oil and gas development lies in effectively assessing the damage inflicted on these reservoirs by hydraulic fracturing,comprehending the underlying mechanisms,and selecting appropriate solutions.It's noteworthy that the majority of existing studies on reservoir damage primarily focus on conventional reservoirs,with limited attention given to deep reservoirs and a lack of systematic summaries.In light of this,our approach entails initially summarizing the current knowledge pertaining to the types of fracturing fluids employed in deep and ultra-deep reservoirs.Subsequently,we delve into a systematic examination of the damage processes and mechanisms caused by fracturing fluids within the context of hydraulic fracturing in deep reservoirs,taking into account the unique reservoir characteristics of high temperature,high pressure,and high in-situ stress.In addition,we provide an overview of research progress related to high-temperature deep reservoir fracturing fluid and the damage of aqueous fracturing fluids to rock matrix,both artificial and natural fractures,and sand-packed fractures.We conclude by offering a summary of current research advancements and future directions,which hold significant potential for facilitating the efficient development of deep oil and gas reservoirs while effectively mitigating reservoir damage.

Unraveling the hydraulic properties of loess for landslide prediction:A study on variations in loess landslides in Lanzhou,Dingxi,and Tianshui,China

Loess has distinctive characteristics,leading to frequent landslide disasters and posing serious threats to the lives and properties of local re sidents.The involvement of water repre sents a critical factor in inducing loess landslides.This study focuses on three neighboring cities sequentially situated on the Loess Plateau along the direction of aeolian deposition of loess,namely Lanzhou,Dingxi,and Tianshui,which are densely populated and prone to landslide disasters.The variations in hydraulic properties,including water retention capacity and permeability,are investigated through Soil Water Characteristic Curve(SWCC)test and hydraulic conductivity test.The experimental findings revealed that Tianshui loess exhibited the highest water retention capacity,followed by Dingxi loess,while Lanzhou loess demonstrated the lowest water retention capacity.Contrastingly,the results for the saturated permeability coefficient were found to be the opposite:Tianshui loess showed the lowest permeability,whereas Lanzhou loess displayed the highest permeability.These results are supported and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM)observation.In addition,the water retention capacity is mathematically expressed using the van Genuchten model and extended to predict unsaturated hydraulic properties of loess.The experimental results exhibit a strong accordance with one another and align with the regional distribution patterns of disasters.

Geohydraulic Investigation of Aquifer Parameters in Abak, Southern Nigeria

A geophysical investigation was carried out to characterize aquifer parameters and assess the groundwater condition in Abak, southern Nigeria. Vertical electrical sounding (VES) was carried out using Schlumberger configuration in 10 locations within the area. Both manual and computer interpretation of the resistivity data reveals three to four geoelectric units (laterite topsoil, medium-grained sand, coarse-grained sand, and sandy clay sand) which agrees with the lithologic log from existing boreholes. The aquifer layer was identified along the third formation with resistivity values ranging from 1239 - 5719 Ωm and aquifer depth ranging from 30.2 - 54.8 m. The aquifer thickness ranged from 24.2 - 43.7 m. Hydraulic conductivity ranged from 0.1206 m/day - 0.5026 m/day with an average value of 0.29403 m/day. Formation factor ranged from 14.55 - 16.64. Porosity ranged from 15.98% - 22.40%, with an average value of 19.64%. The aquiferous zone falls within the medium/coarse-grained sand. The aquifer is shallow, unconfined, and prolific with a little overburden formation of 13.5 m. The area shows good prospects for groundwater development.

Effect of Irrigation Water Quality on Soil Hydraulic Conductivity

The effect of irrigation water quality on unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (HC) of undisturbed soil in field was studied.Results show that within the operating soil suction range (0-1.6 KPa) of disc permeameters,the higher the electric conductivity (EC) of irrigation water,the higher the soil HC became.The soil HC doubled when EC increased from 0.1 to 6.0ds m^-1.High sodium-adsorption ratio(SAR) of irrigation water would have an unfavorable effect on soil HC.Soil HC decreased with the increasing of SAR,especially in the case of higher soil suction.An interaction existed between the effects of EC and SAR of irrigation water on soil HC.The HC of unsaturated soil dependent upon the macropores in surface soil decreased by one order of magnitude with 1 KPa increase of soil suction.In the study on the effect of very low soluble salt concentration (EC=0.1 ds m^-1 of irrigation water on soil HC,soil HC was found to be lowered by 30% as a consequence of blocking up of some continuous pores by the dispersed and migrated clay particles.Nonlinear successive regression analysis and significance test show that the effects of EC and SAR of irrigation water on soil HC reached the extremely significant level.

Integration of Tracer Test Data to Refine Geostatistical Hydraulic Conductivity Fields Using Sequential Self-Calibration Method

On the basis of local measurements of hydraulic conductivity, geostatistical methods have been found to be useful in heterogeneity characterization of a hydraulic conductivity field on a regional scale. However, the methods are not suited to directly integrate dynamic production data, such as, hydraulic head and solute concentration, into the study of conductivity distribution. These data, which record the flow and transport processes in the medium, are closely related to the spatial distribution of hydraulic conductivity. In this study, a three-dimensional gradient-based inverse method--the sequential self-calibration （SSC） method--is developed to calibrate a hydraulic conductivity field, initially generated by a geostatistical simulation method, conditioned on tracer test results. The SSC method can honor both local hydraulic conductivity measurements and tracer test data. The mismatch between the simulated hydraulic conductivity field and the reference true one, measured by its mean square error （MSE）, is reduced through the SSC conditional study. In comparison with the unconditional results, the SSC conditional study creates the mean breakthrough curve much closer to the reference true curve, and significantly reduces the prediction uncertainty of the solute transport in the observed locations. Further, the reduction of uncertainty is spatially dependent, which indicates that good locations, geological structure, and boundary conditions will affect the efficiency of the SSC study results.

Determination of hydraulic conductivity of fractured rock masses:A case study for a rock cavern project in Singapore

In order to reduce the risk associated with water seepage in an underground rock cavern project inSingapore, a reliable hydro-geological model should be established based on the in situ investigationdata. The key challenging issue in the hydro-geological model building is how to integrate limitedgeological and hydro-geological data to determine the hydraulic conductivity of the fractured rockmasses. Based on the data obtained from different stages （feasibility investigation stage, constructionstage, and post-construction stage）, suitable models and methods are proposed to determine the hydraulicconductivities at different locations and depths, which will be used at other locations in thefuture. 2015 Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Production and hosting byElsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Saturated anisotropic hydraulic conductivity of a compacted lateritic soil

This study focuses on the saturated anisotropic hydraulic conductivity of a compacted lateritic clayey sandy soil. The effects of the molding water content and the confining stress on the anisotropic hydraulic conductivity are investigated. The hydraulic conductivity is measured with a flexible-wall permeameter. Samples are dynamically compacted into the three compaction states of a standard Proctor compaction curve： the dry branch, optimum water content and wet branch. Depending on the molding water content and confining stress, the hydraulic conductivity may increase or decrease. In addition, the results indicate that, when the samples are compacted to the optimum water content, lower hydraulic conductivity is obtained, except at a confining stress equal to 50 kPa. The increase of the confining stress decreases the hydraulic conductivity for each of the evaluated compaction states. In the wet branch, horizontal hy- draulic conductivity is about 8 times higher than the vertical value. The anisotropic hydraulic conduc- tivities of the dry and wet branches decrease when the confining stress increases, and the opposite is observed in the optimum water content state.

A modified Kozeny-Carman equation for predicting saturated hydraulic conductivity of compacted bentonite in confined condition

Kozeny-Carman(KC) equation is a well-known relation between hydraulic conductivity and pore properties in porous material. The applications of KC equation to predicting saturated hydraulic conductivities of sands and non-expansive soils are well documented. However, KC equation is incapable of predicting saturated hydraulic conductivity of expansive soil(e.g. bentonite) well. Based on a new dualpore system, this study modified KC equation for improving the prediction of saturated hydraulic conductivities of bentonites. In this study, an assumption that inter-layer space(micropore) has limited effect on fluid flow performance of compacted bentonite was adopted. The critical parameters including total porosity and total tortuosity in conventional KC equation were replaced by macroporosity and tortuosity of macropore, respectively. Macroporosity and microporosity were calculated by basal spacing of compacted bentonite, which was estimated by assuming that specific surface area is changeable during saturation process. A comprehensive comparison of bentonite’s saturated hydraulic conductivity predictions, including modified KC equation proposed in this study, conventional KC equation, and prediction method based on diffuse double layer(DDL) theory, was carried out. It was found that the predicted saturated hydraulic conductivity of bentonites calculated using modified KC equation fitted the experimental data better than others to a certain extent.

Effects of short-term osmotic stress on leaf hydraulic conductivity and ZmPIPs mRNA accumulation in maize seedlings

Plants maintain water balance by varying hydraulic properties, and plasma membrane intrinsic proteins（PIPs） may be involved in this process. Leaf xylem and root hydraulic conductivity and the m RNA contents of four highly expressed Zm PIP genes（Zm PIP1;1, Zm PIP1;2, Zm PIP2;2, and Zm PIP2;5） in maize（Zea mays） seedlings were investigated. Under well-watered conditions, leaf hydraulic conductivity（K_（leaf）） varied diurnally and was correlated with whole-plant hydraulic conductivity. Similar diurnal rhythms of leaf transpiration rate（E）, K_（leaf） and root hydraulic conductivity（K_（root）） in well-watered plants are important for maintaining whole-plant water balance. After 2 h of osmotic stress treatment induced by 10% polyethylene glycol 6000, the K_（root） of stressed plants decreased but K_（leaf） increased, compared with well-watered plants. The m RNA contents of four Zm PIPs were significantly up-regulated in the leaves of stressed plants, especially for Zm PIP1;2. Meanwhile, Zm PIP2;5 was significantly down-regulated in the roots of stressed plants. After 4 h of osmotic stress treatment, the E and leaf xylem water potentials of stressed plants unexpectedly increased. The increase in K_（leaf） and a partial recovery of K_（root） may have contributed to this process. The m RNA content of Zm PIP1;2 but not of the other three genes was up-regulated in roots at this time. In summary, the m RNA contents of these four Zm PIPs associated with K_（leaf） and K_（root） change in maize seedlings during short-term osmotic stress, especially for Zm PIP1;2 and Zm PIP2;5, which may help to further reveal the hydraulic resistance adjustment role of Zm PIPs.

Test of the Rosetta Pedotransfer Function for Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity

Simulation models are tools that can be used to explore, for example, effects of cultural practices on soil erosion and irrigation on crop yield. However, often these models require many soil related input data of which the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) is one of the most important ones. These data are usually not available and experimental determination is both expensive and time consuming. Therefore, pedotransfer functions are often used, which make use of simple and often readily available soil information to calculate required input values for models, such as soil hydraulic values. Our objective was to test the Rosetta pedotransfer function to calculate Ks. Research was conducted in a 64-ha field near Lamesa, Texas, USA. Field measurements of soil texture and bulk density, and laboratory measurements of soil water retention at field capacity (–33 kPa) and permanent wilting point (–1500 kPa), were taken to implement Rosetta. Calculated values of Ks were then compared to measured Ks on undisturbed soil samples. Results showed that Rosetta could be used to obtain values of Ks for a field with different textures. The Root Mean Square Difference (RMSD) of Ks at 0.15 m soil depth was 7.81 × 10–7 m·s–1. Further, for a given soil texture the variability, from 2.30 × 10–7 to 2.66 × 10–6 m·s-1, of measured Ks was larger than the corresponding RMSD. We conclude that Rosetta is a tool that can be used to calculate Ks in the absence of measured values, for this particular soil. Level H5 of Rosetta yielded the best results when using the measured input data and thus calculated values of Ks can be used as input in simulation models.

Effects of lime treatment on the microstructure and hydraulic conductivity of Héricourt clay

This study aims at evidencing the effects of lime treatment on the microstructure and hydraulic conductivityof a compacted expansive clay, with emphasis put on the effect of lime hydration and modification.For this purpose, evolutions of hydraulic conductivity were investigated for both lime-treatedand untreated soil specimens over 7 d after full saturation of the specimens and their microstructureswere observed at the end. Note that for the treated specimen, dry clay powder was mixed with quicklimeprior to compaction in order to study the effect of lime hydration. It is observed that lime hydration andmodification did not affect the intra-aggregate pores but increased the inter-aggregates pores size. Thisincrease gave rise to an increase of hydraulic conductivity. More precisely, the hydraulic conductivity oflime-treated specimen increased progressively during the first 3 d of modification phase and stabilisedduring the next 4 d which correspond to a short period prior to the stabilisation phase. The microstructureobservation showed that stabilisation reactions took place after 7 d. Under the effect of stabilisation,a decreasing hydraulic conductivity can be expected in longer time due to the formation ofcementitious compounds. 2014 Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Production and hosting byElsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Particle Size Distribution and Hydraulic Conductivity in Coastal Non-Agricultural Land in Gaza Coastal Plain

Background: Particle size distribution and hydraulic conductivity of coastal no-agricultural lands are not available. This study characterized the particle size distribution and hydraulic conductivity on coastal non-agricultural land along the coastal plain of Gaza. Materials and Methods: Six soil profiles were digged along the coastal plain in Gaza Strip and soil samples were collected from 0 - 150 cm depth. Four soil plots around each site were used to determine the hydraulic conductivity using Infiltrometer method. Four particle size groups were identified, group 1 (630 nm), group 2 (200 nm), group 3 (63 nm) and group 4 (20 nm). Results: Dominancy of particle size group 2 was noticed in all sites followed by group 3. Groups 1 and 4 were less dominant in all sites. Hydraulic conductivity ranged from lower value 0.27 in the control soil plot in Khan Younis (site 1) to the highest value 1.76 m/s in disturbed soil plot in Shakhejjlen (site 3) with regression coefficient (R2) range of 0.9725 - 0.997 indicating strong positive association. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the coastal non-agricultural land is sandy with various hydraulic conductivity values due to different particle size distribution. These data are useful to the scientific community around the world and will be helpful to speculate potential risk factors to life of ecosystem.

Spatial variability of soil hydraulic conductivity and runoff generation types in a small mountainous catchment

As an important soil property,saturated hydraulic conductivity(Ks)controls many hydrological processes,such as runoff generation types,soil moisture storage and water movement.Because of the extremely harsh natural environmental conditions and soil containing a significant fraction of gravel fragments in high-elevation mountainous catchments,the measurement data of Ks and other soil properties are seriously lacking,which leads to poor understanding on its hydrological processes and water cycle.In this study,the vertical variation(0-150 cm)of Ks and other soil properties from 38 soil profiles were measured under five different land cover types(alpine barren,forest,marshy meadow,alpine shrub and alpine meadow)in a small catchment in Qilian Mountains,northwestern China.A typical characteristic of soil in mountainous areas is widespread presence of rock and gravel,and the results showed that the more rock and gravel in the soil,the higher Ks and bulk density and the lower the soil capillary porosity,field water capacity and total porosity.The Ks of the lower layer with rock and gravel(18.49±10.22 mm·min-1)was significantly higher than that of the upper layer with relatively fine textured soil(0.18±0.18 mm·min-1).The order of values of the Ks in different land cover types was alpine barren,forest,alpine shrub,marshy meadow and alpine meadow,and the values of the Ks in the alpine barren were significantly higher than those of other land covers.Most rainfall events in the research catchment had low rain intensity(<0.04 mm·min-1),and deep percolation(DP)was the dominant runoff generation type.When the rainfall intensity increased(0.11 mm·min-1),subsurface stormflow(SSF)appeared in the alpine meadow.Infiltration excess overland flow(IOF),SSF and DP existed simultaneously only when the rainfall intensity was extremely high(1.91 mm·min-1).IOF and SSF were almost never appeared in the alpine barren because of high Ks.The alpine barren was the main runoffcontributed area in the mountainous catchment because of high Ks and low water-holding capacity,and the alpine shrub and meadow showed more ecological functions such as natural water storage and replenishment pool than contribution of runoff.

Kozeny-Carman Equation and Hydraulic Conductivity of Compacted Clayey Soils

The saturated hydraulic conductivity of a soil is the main parameter for modeling the water flow through the soil and determination of seepage losses. In addition, hydraulic conductivity of compacted soil layers is critical component for designing liner and cover systems for waste landfills. Hydraulic conductivity can be predicted using empirical relationships, capillary models, statistical models and hydraulic radius theories [1]. In the current research work the reliability of Kozeny-Carman equation for the determination of the hydraulic conductivity of compacted clayey soils, is evaluated. The relationship between the liquid limit and the specific surface of the tested samples is also investigated. The resulting equation gives the ability for quick estimation of specific surface and hydraulic conductivity of the compacted clayey samples. The results presented here show that the Kozeny-Carman equation provides good predictions of the hydraulic conductivity of homogenized clayey soils compacted under given compactive effort, despite the consensus set out in the literature.

Effects of leachate infiltration and desiccation cracks on hydraulic conductivity of compacted clay

Both cracks in clay liner and the complex composition of landfill leachate might have effects on the hydraulic conductivity of a compacted clay liner. In this study, the hydraulic conductivities of natural clay and bentonite-modified clay with and without desiccation cracks were measured, respectively, using three types of liquids as permeating liquid： 2 500 mg/L acetic acid solution, 0.5 mol/L CaCl2 solution, and tap water. When tap water was adopted as the permeating liquid, desiccation cracks resulted in increases in the average value of hydraulic conductivity： a 25-fold increase for the natural clay and a 5.7-fold increase for the bentonite-modified clay. It was also found out that the strong selfhealing capability of bentonite helped to reduce the adverse impact of cracks on hydraulic performance. In contrast to tap water, simulated leachates（acetic acid and CaCl2 solutions） show no adverse effect on the hydraulic conductivities of natural and bentonite-modified clays. It is concluded that desiccation cracks and bentonite have more significant effects on hydraulic performance than simulated leachates.