Estimation of Dispersion Parameters for Two‐Dimensional Plumes

Abstract

Abstract An analytical method is developed whereby longitudinal and transversal dispersivities can be determined for a two‐dimensional plume generated by slug tracer injection in a uniform ground‐water flow field. One solution procedure requires concentration versus time data from two sampling wells through which the plume passes. A second solution procedure uses a least‐squares method to obtain optimal parameter estimations when only one sampling well is available. Both methods are particularly useful since they do not require a priori knowledge of either the direction or magnitude of the pore velocity. Detailed example calculations illustrate the solution procedures and show that these methods are successful.