ABSTRACT
In this study a two-dimensional stochastic numerical model is developed to address the effect of physical heterogeneities on conservative transport in dual porosity media. The physical heterogeneities are represented by a spatially varying and correlated hydraulic conductivity field and interregional mass diffusion rate. The finite cell approach developed by Sun (1999) is adapted to solve the transport and reaction problems. The impacts of physical heterogeneities on mean behavior (i.e., mean concentration and mean spreading) are the focus of the stochastic analysis performed in this study. It is shown from the analysis that the heterogeneity of the interregional mass diffusion rate changes the concentration of the solute at the control plane by ±10% if compared with the homogeneous case.
