Thermal plume transport, remediation, and utilization in groundwater

我的研究项目的目标是开发新的方法来量化和修复地下水下骨料和岩石提取对冷水流的热影响。重点将放在补救方法上，利用充水采掘坑产生的含水层热能，为当地建筑物和邻里供暖和制冷。这样，不仅可以保护开采地点附近的冷水生态系统和渔业，而且补救系统将提供可持续的能源。目前，我们即将完成一项史无前例的为期10年的现场和数值模拟评估，以量化从集料坑通过无约束的冰川外溢含水层散发的热羽流的持久性。我们的研究结果表明，冷暖相间的羽流在含水层中持续存在11个月，向下迁移高达250 m的梯度，如果没有提供足够的分离距离，那么在潜流区即使2到3℃的温度变化也会对大型无脊椎动物群落和现有的溪鳟种群产生不利影响。

The objective of my research program is to develop new methods of quantifying and remediating thermal impacts from below-water-table aggregate and rock extraction on cool-water streams. The focus will be on remedial methods that utilize the aquifer thermal energy generated from the water filled extraction pits for heating and cooling local buildings and neighbourhoods. In this way not only will cool-water ecosystems and fisheries be protected adjacent to extraction sites but the remedial systems will provide a sustainable energy source. Currently, we are nearing completion of an unprecedented 10 year field and numerical modelling assessment to quantify the persistence of thermal plumes emanating from an aggregate pit through an unconfined, glacial outwash aquifer. Our results show that alternating warm and cool plumes persist in the aquifer for 11 months, migrate up to 250 m down gradient, and if sufficient separation distances are not provided, temperature changes of even 2 to 3 degrees C in the hyporheic zone may adversely affect the macroinvertebrate community and incumbent brook trout populations.