1、Designation: D 5979 96 (Reapproved 2008)Standard Guide forConceptualization and Characterization of Ground-WaterSystems1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5979; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or, in the case of revision, the
2、 year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. Asuperscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1. Scope1.1 This guide covers an integrated, stepwise method for thequalitative conceptualization and quantitative charac
3、terizationof ground-water flow systems, including the unsaturated zone,for natural or human-induced behavior or changes.1.2 This guide may be used at any scale of investigation,including site-specific, subregional, and regional applications.1.3 This guide describes an iterative process for developin
4、gmultiple working hypotheses for characterizing ground-waterflow systems. This process aims at reducing uncertainty withrespect to conceptual models, observation, interpretation, andanalysis in terms of hypothesis and refinement of the mostlikely conceptual model of the ground-water flow system. The
5、process is also aimed at reducing the range of realistic valuesfor parameters identified during the characterization process.This guide does not address the quantitative uncertaintyassociated with specific methods of hydrogeologic and ground-water system characterization and quantification, for exam
6、ple,the effects of well construction on water-level measurement.1.4 This guide addresses the general procedure, types ofdata needed, and references that enable the investigator tocomplete the process of analysis and interpretation of each datatype with respect to geohydrologic processes and hydrogeo
7、-logic framework. This guide recommends the groups of dataand analysis to be used during each step of the conceptualiza-tion process.1.5 This guide does not address the specific methods forcharacterizing hydrogeologic and ground-water system prop-erties.1.6 This guide does not address model selectio
8、n, design, orattribution for use in the process of ground-water flow systemcharacterization and quantification. This guide does not ad-dress the process of model schematization, including thesimplification of hydrologic systems and the representation ofhydrogeologic parameters in models.1.7 This gui
9、de does not address special considerationsrequired for characterization of karst and fractured rock terrain.In such hydrogeologic settings, refer to Quinlan (1)2and GuideD 5717 for additional guidance.1.8 This guide does not address special considerationsregarding the source, fate, and movement of c
10、hemicals in thesubsurface.1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations pr
11、ior to use.1.10 This guide offers an organized collection of informa-tion or a series of options and does not recommend a specificcourse of action. This document cannot replace education orexperience and should be used in conjunction with professionaljudgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be ap
12、plicable in allcircumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy ofa given professional service must be judged, nor should thisdocument be applied without consideration of a projects manyunique aspects. The word “Standard” in the ti
13、tle of thisdocument means only that the document has been approvedthrough the ASTM consensus process.2. Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:3D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and ContainedFluidsD 5254 Practice for Minimum Set of Data Elements toIdentify a Ground-Water SiteD 5408 Guide for
14、 Set of Data Elements to Describe aGround-Water Site; Part OneAdditional IdentificationDescriptorsD 5409 Guide for Set of Data Elements to Describe aGround-Water Site; Part TwoPhysical DescriptorsD 5410 Guide for Set of Data Elements to Describe aGround-Water Site;Part ThreeUsage DescriptorsD 5447 G
15、uide for Application of a Ground-Water Flow1This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rockand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.21 on Ground Water andVadose Zone Investigations.Current edition approved Sept. 15, 2008. Published November 2008. Originallyappr
16、oved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 1996 as D 597996(2002).2The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end ofthis standard.3For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org. For Annual Bo
17、ok of ASTMStandards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.1Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.Model to a Site-Specific ProblemD 5474 Guide for Selection of Data Elements for G
18、round-Water InvestigationsD 5609 Guide for Defining Boundary Conditions inGround-Water Flow ModelingD 5610 Guide for Defining Initial Conditions in Ground-Water Flow ModelingD 5717 Guide for Design of Ground-Water MonitoringSystems in Karst and Fractured-Rock Aquifers4D 5730 Guide for Site Character
19、ization for EnvironmentalPurposes With Emphasis on Soil, Rock, the Vadose Zoneand Ground Water3. Terminology3.1 Definitions:3.1.1 conceptual modelan interpretation or working de-scription of the characteristics and dynamics of the physicalsystem.3.1.2 ground-water flow modelapplication of a math-ema
20、tical model to represent a regional or site-specific ground-water flow system.3.1.3 hydrologic systemthe general concepts of the hydro-logic elements, active hydrologic processes, and the interlink-ages and hierarchy of elements and processes.3.1.4 For definitions of other terms used in this guide,
21、seeTerminology D 653 and Guide D 5447.4. Summary of Guide4.1 This guide presents an integrated approach for concep-tualizing and characterizing ground-water systems. The con-ceptualization and characterization process includes: ProblemDefinition and Database Development (Section 6); PreliminaryConce
22、ptualization (Section 7); Surface Characterization (Sec-tion 8); Subsurface Characterization (Section 9); Hydrogeo-logic Characterization (Section 10); Ground-Water SystemCharacterization (Section 11); and Ground-Water SystemQuantification (Section 12) (see Fig. 1). Conceptualization andcharacteriza
23、tion is an iterative process beginning with a theo-retical understanding of the ground-water system followed bydata collection and refinement of the understanding.Additionaldata collection and analysis, and the refinement of the ground-water system conceptual model occurs during the entireprocess of
24、 conceptualization and characterization, and duringground-water model development and use (see Fig. 1).4.2 This guide presents an approach that can be used at anyscale. The nature of the problem to be solved will determine thetype and scale of data collected.5. Significance and Use5.1 Conceptualizat
25、ion and characterization of a ground-water system is fundamental to any qualitative or quantitativeanalysis. This conceptualization begins with simple abstrac-tions in the investigators mind, emphasizing the major com-ponents of the studied system, that can be rendered in quali-tative terms or simpl
26、e illustrations. The extent of furtherdevelopment of the representation of the system depends on the4Withdrawn. The last approved version of this historical standard is referencedon www.astm.org.NOTE 1Conceptualization and characterization is an iterative processbeginning with a theoretical understa
27、nding of the ground-water systemfollowed by data collection and refinement of the understanding. Addi-tional data collection and analysis, and the refinement of the ground-watersystem conceptual model occurs during the process of conceptualizationand characterization, and during ground-water model d
28、evelopment anduse.FIG. 1 Procedure for Conceptualization and Characterization ofGround-Water Flow Systems (32)D 5979 96 (2008)2character of the ground-water problem and the project objec-tive. The abstract concept may suffice, or it may be furtherdefined and quantified through use of analytical mode
29、ls ofincreasing complexity, and, in some cases, numerical modelsmay be employed. If numerical models are used, the level ofdetail and sophistication of features represented in the model islikely to increase as the project develops. Evolution of con-ceptualization of a ground-water flow system should
30、 be termi-nated when the results of the related analyses are sufficient forthe problem being addressed.5.2 This guide may be used in the following:5.2.1 Evaluating natural variations in ground-water flowsystems.5.2.2 Evaluating anthropogenic stresses on ground-waterflow systems, such as pumping for
31、water supply, irrigation,induced infiltration, or well injection.5.2.3 Evaluating presence and velocity of ground-watercontaminants.5.2.4 Designing and selecting mathematical models tosimulate ground-water systems; and completing model sche-matization and attribution based on the problem defined,cha
32、racterized ground-water flow system, and model(s) se-lected.5.2.5 Designing ground-water remediation systems.5.3 This guide is a flexible description of specific techniquesand investigation requirements; methods defined by otherASTM Standards or non-ASTM techniques may be appropriatein some circumst
33、ances and, after due consideration, some ofthe techniques herein may be omitted, altered, or enhanced.5.3.1 A comprehensive list of items to be considered con-ceptualization and characterization are included in the mainheadings (Sections 6 through 13) and first subheadings (forexample, 7.1 and 8.1).
34、5.3.2 In karst and fractured rock hydrogeologic settings, thisguide should be used in conjunction with Guide D 5717.5.4 The methods and amount of effort required for concep-tualization, characterization, and quantification of ground-water systems for modeling or other applications will vary withsite
35、 conditions, objectives of investigation, and investigatorexperience. This guide does not replace proper academictraining and experience in hydrogeologic principles, or inground-water system analysis and quantification. This guidedoes not set mandatory guidelines and does not constitute a listof nec
36、essary steps or procedures for all investigations.5.5 This guide may be used for project planning and datacollection, but does not provide specific aspects for fieldcharacterization techniques. Refer to Table X1.1 in GuideD 5730, Practice D 5254, and Refs (2, 3, 4, and 5) for furtherguidance regardi
37、ng field characterization techniques.5.6 This guide may be used to generate the necessaryinformation as part of the process for model selection, design,and as input to model schematization, including the simplifi-cation of hydrologic systems and the representation of hydro-geologic parameters in mod
38、els. Refer to Ref (6) for furtherguidance.6. Problem Definition and Database Development6.1 Define the Objectives of the ProjectOnce the objec-tives are defined, identify the appropriate facets and scale ofthe ground-water system for characterization.6.2 Define the SiteThe boundaries of a site are d
39、efinedusing one or more of the following considerations: natural sitecharacteristics (topography, soils, geology, hydrology, biota),current and past land use and ownership, or known or sus-pected extent of current or anticipated project-related stresses,which may include cones of depression or conta
40、minant migra-tion. If site boundaries are initially defined by ownership,natural site characteristics of a broader scale should be evalu-ated to determine whether the scope of at least parts of theinvestigation should include areas that are off-site. For ex-ample, investigations of ground-water cont
41、amination shouldinclude areas of potential sources upgradient and potentialmigration paths down-gradient from a site.6.3 Gather Data from Existing SourcesThis step involveslocating, collecting, and organizing the data needed (see Table1) to solve the problem into a manageable database. SeePractice D
42、 5254 and Guides D 5408, D 5409, D 5410, D 5474,and D 5730 for data elements to identify a ground-water site.6.3.1 Collect data, such as maps, tables, and reports, fromavailable published and unpublished sources, and field andlaboratory studies. Note the methods used to collect andanalyze the data.
43、Note levels of quality assurance and qualitycontrol as required by the project.6.3.2 Collect data from interviews of local and regionallyknowledgeable people. This may include, but is not limited to,worker histories, former practices, and engineering activitiesthat either changed the site or provide
44、 historical data (locationof old wells, contaminant history, and so forth).6.4 Organize and Prepare Databases Based on ProjectObjectivesThis step involves organizing the data into appro-priate databases that could include, but are not limited to:geomorphology, geology, geophysics, climate, vegetatio
45、n,soils, hydrology, hydrochemistry/geochemistry, and anthropo-genic aspects (see Table 2).57. Preliminary Conceptualization7.1 Conduct field conceptualization using databases devel-oped under Section6. In areas where field data are sparse, basicphotointerpretation and terrain analysis techniques may
46、 beapplied to remote sensing data, aerial photography, and topo-graphic maps to acquire information, and may be used toquantify and distribute hydrogeologic and ground-water sys-tem parameters.7.1.1 Analyze existing data. This includes both the naturaland anthropogenic features of the site. This pre
47、liminary analy-sis may include land cover patterns (vegetation, soils, surface5Quality assurance/quality control should be maintained throughout the project.Data may be organized into three types: 1) raw, original data collected in the fieldor laboratory, or both; 2) extracted data produced from the
48、 original, raw database tosolve the study purposes, goals, and objectives; and 3) interpretations and analysesof both raw or extracted data as applied to solving the problem.D 5979 96 (2008)3water type and distribution, topography, geology), landforms(surficial geology and geography), and drainage a
49、nalysis.67.1.2 Conduct field reconnaissance to relate the preliminaryanalysis of the information collected to study site conditions.77.2 Conduct qualitative ground-water system conceptualiza-tion. This results in the development of one or more initialconceptual models that will be used for characterization andquantification. This qualitative analysis uses the same logicpresented in Sections 8 through 12 for quantitative analysis.7.2.1 Qualitatively characterize the study area surface usingprocedures stated in Section 8.7.2.2 Qualitatively characterize the study area su
