ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: We illustrate alternative approaches to characterize and model flow in fractured rocks at site scale using field data. Approaches include (i) explicitly characterizing the main fracture flow paths with cross borehole flowmeter tests, and (ii) modelling the system response to large scale pumping test by a uniform diffusion equation that takes into account scaling of flow properties. The application of these approaches at the Plœmeur fractured crystalline aquifer shows that cross-borehole flowmeter tests have very interesting possibilities for aquifer flow path imagery. However, an exhaustive imagery of the fracture network is not possible. On the other hand, the interpretation of pumping test experiments shows that a mean flow model may be defined for most of the site. Such representation that allows characterizing the mean flow properties arising from the multiscale heterogeneity is complementary to local flow measurements.
