MARRYING DISCRETE AND CONTINUOUS KARST DATA INTO A HAPPY FLOW AND TRANSPORT MODEL

Models of flow and transport in karst aquifers have difficulties making accurate predictions due to the extreme heterogeneity of the systems. Without the ability to make improvements in predictions over time, this problem will persist. Scientific and social barriers need to be overcome to improve our modeling efforts.

A common earth model approach for karst aquifers can be implemented allowing additional data to be incorporated to improve predictions over time. On the scientific side, elimination of model scale effects is required along with the ability to incorporate dye trace data into continuum models. Additionally, model post audits should be incorporated into a model maintenance program so that the models can be improved over time. Although required by textbooks, these post audits are rarely performed in practice. A regular post audit schedule can allow steady model improvement over time increasing our ability to make predictions of these systems.

Developing this approach is also limited in the legal context of a model becoming reality once it is utilized by water management districts. Using the Edwards aquifer of central Texas as an example, an approach to solving these problems is presented along with the implications of the new modeling system.