Exercise 3‌

Faults can have a strong influence on the flow system in fractured rock aquifers. Examine Figure 18 from Section 6.4. The following image is a version of Figure 18 from this book with the addition of a cross-section line A-A’ added perpendicular to the fault.

Idealized diagram showing fault zone elements: fault core, which includes fault rock and several slip surfaces, and surrounding damage zone, from Aydin and Berryman (2010).

a) Based on the following image and the description in Section 6.4, create a sketch showing the general permeability distribution along cross-section line A-A’. Section 13 of this book also provides useful information.

General permeability distribution along this cross-section line (A to A’).

b) How might this permeability distribution influence the flow system? How might this distribution influence movement of contaminants?

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