This thesis describes the processes adopted to form the major conclusion that igneous dykes that traverse the Belfast Groundwater Body impede the movement of groundwater in the aquifer to a significant extent. Chapter one introduces the project and its purpose. Chapters two and three are to a large extent literature based, with Chapter two focusing on generic techniques and examples of relevant research on an international scale, where Chapter three focuses on literature specific to the study are" and facilitates a discussion of aquifer behaviour and the formation of an initial conceptual model for groundwater flow. Chapter four describes the re-appraisal of the geological model for the study area using a recently published airborne magnetic geophysical dataset (Tellus). The progression of this Chapter sees the geological model described in the context of the hydrogeological behaviour of the study area, and a discussion at the end facilitates the description of a geological conceptual model of an igneous dyke and an improved understanding of the processes controlling groundwater movement in the Sherwood Sandstone aquifer. Chapter five uses the conceptual understanding developed from previous chapters to construct a numerical model in FeFlow as a tool to assess aquifer sensitivities. The model described progresses from the most basic homogeneous and isotropic representation of the groundwater flow system, and progresses through nine scenarios to be inclusive of homogeneity (transsmissivity and recharge), homogeneous vertical anisotropy, and with the inclusion of three-tier transmissive igneous dyke zones. Chapter six discusses the findings of the research, drawing comparisons from literature, Tellus, and numerical modelling. The discussion includes the schematic understanding of groundwater movement through the aquifer Inclusive of igneous dykes under various pressures. The discussion ends with some recommendations for the implementation of the conceptual model within an industrial and regulatory context. Chapter seven states the major conclusions formed from the research, and makes recommendations for future work.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:669657 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Burns, Claire Elizabeth Graham |
| Publisher | Queen's University Belfast |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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