Low-flow transport models for conservative and sorbed solutes — Uvas Creek, near Morgan Hill, California

Water-Resources Investigations Report 84-4041
By: , and 

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Abstract

Models describing low-flow transport of conservative (nonreactive) and reactive solutes, which adsorb on the streambed, are developed and tested. Temporary storage within the bed plays an important role in solute movement. Three different models of bed-storage processes are developed for conservative solutes. One model assumes the bed is a well-mixed, nondiffusing, nonreacting zone. Solute flux into the bed is then proportional to the difference between stream and bed-solute concentrations. A second model assumes that solute is transported within the bed by a vertical diffusion process. The bed-solute concentration, which matches the stream concentration at the interface, varies with depth in the bed according to Fick 's law. A third model assumes convection in the downstream direction occurs in certain parts of the bed, while the mechanism of the first model functions elsewhere. Storage of absorbing species is assumed to occur by equilibrium adsorption within streambed particles. Uptake rate is described by an intraparticle diffusion process. Model equations were solved using finite element numerical methods. Models were calibrated using data from a 24-hour injection of conservative chloride and adsorptive Sr ions at Uvas Creek near Morgan Hill, California. All models predict well except for some overestimation by the adsorption model during dieaway. 

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Low-flow transport models for conservative and sorbed solutes — Uvas Creek, near Morgan Hill, California
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 84-4041
DOI 10.3133/wri844041
Year Published 1984
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description 82 p.
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Uvas Creek
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