Galson Sciences Ltd - Hydrogeological characterisation and modelling
We have contributed to a number of hydrogeological characterisation programmes related to existing and potential radioactive waste disposal sites and underground research laboratories (URLs), and have directed European research into the impact of geological structures on groundwater flow. This work has included the development of a 3D hybrid medium groundwater flow code that is currently being used to predict groundwater flows and water table drawdown during the construction of Mizunami URL at Tono, Japan. This model is linked directly to geological models we are developing in EarthVision (GEOMASS system). GEOMASS is based on the use of EarthVision for 3D geological modelling and visualisation, and FracAffinity for 3D hydrogeological modelling. In FracAffinity, heterogeneity is explicitly modelled in 3D at three scales: EarthVision geological framework; anisotropic hydraulic conductivity; and fractal hydraulic conductivity. The system is suitable for modelling both hard fractured rocks and porous sedimentary sequences We believe the system we have developed for linked 3D modelling of geology, structures and hydrogeology is unique.
We are advising the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) on the characterisation of the groundwater flow regime during development of new LLW disposal facilities at Dounreay. We managed a European Project on the impact of fault structures on groundwater flow; this project used data from the Sellafield characterisation project. We have undertaken modelling of contaminant transport from the Wet Silo at Dounreay using MODFLOW.
We have developed integrated hydro-geological models as input to safety assessments by assisting in providing data and the 3D geological framework for groundwater flow and solute transport calculations, visualising the results of groundwater flow simulations alongside the geological interpretation in 3D, and undertaking "what-if" calculations.
