Numerical investigation of the combined effect of forced and free thermal convection in synthetic groundwater basins

摘要: Abstract The theoretical examination of the combined effect water table configuration and heat transfer is relevant to improve understanding deep groundwater systems, not only in siliciclastic sedimentary basins, but also fractured rocks or karstified carbonates. Numerical model calculations have been carried out investigate interaction topography-driven forced buoyancy-driven free thermal convection a synthetic, two-dimensional model. Effects numerous parameters were systematically studied order examine their influence on Darcy flux, temperature hydraulic head field. It was established that higher geothermal gradients greater depths facilitate evolution time-dependent agreement with changes Rayleigh number modified Peclet number. However, increasing slope anisotropy coefficient favor formation stationary convection. Free mainly affects deeper part midline discharge zone synthetic In examined position maximum located within bottom boundary layer near recharge zone. This divergent stagnation point underlies local downwelling characterized by underpressure. These simulations draw attention importance basins regarding regional flow patterns, distributions.