1、Designation: D5979 96 (Reapproved 2014)Standard Guide forConceptualization and Characterization of GroundwaterSystems1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5979; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or, in the case of revision, the ye
2、ar 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 character
3、izationof groundwater 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 developingmul
4、tiple working hypotheses for characterizing groundwaterflow 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 groundwater flow system. Theproces
5、s 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 example,th
6、e 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-logic
7、 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 groundwater system proper-ties.1.6 This guide does not address model selection, desi
8、gn, orattribution for use in the process of groundwater 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 guide does
9、not address special considerationsrequired for characterization of karst and fractured rock terrain.In such hydrogeologic settings, refer to Quinlan (1)2and GuideD5717 for additional guidance.1.8 This guide does not address special considerationsregarding the source, fate, and movement of chemicals
10、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 prior to us
11、e.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 applicable
12、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 title of th
13、isdocument means only that the document has been approvedthrough the ASTM consensus process.2. Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:3D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and ContainedFluidsD5254 Practice for Minimum Set of Data Elements toIdentify a Ground-Water SiteD5408 Guide for Set of Data
14、 Elements to Describe aGroundwater Site; Part OneAdditional IdentificationDescriptors1This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rockand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.21 on Groundwater andVadose Zone Investigations.Current edition approved April 15, 2014
15、. Published May 2014. Originallyapproved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D597996(2008).DOI: 10.1520/D5979-96R14.2The 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, orcon
16、tact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org. For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States1D5409 Guide for Set of
17、 Data Elements to Describe aGround-Water Site; Part TwoPhysical DescriptorsD5410 Guide for Set of Data Elements to Describe aGround-Water Site;Part ThreeUsage DescriptorsD5447 Guide for Application of a Groundwater Flow Modelto a Site-Specific ProblemD5474 Guide for Selection of Data Elements for Gr
18、oundwa-ter InvestigationsD5609 Guide for Defining Boundary Conditions in Ground-water Flow ModelingD5610 Guide for Defining Initial Conditions in GroundwaterFlow ModelingD5717 Guide for Design of Ground-Water Monitoring Sys-tems in Karst and Fractured-Rock Aquifers (Withdrawn2005)4D5730 Guide for Si
19、te Characterization for EnvironmentalPurposes With Emphasis on Soil, Rock, the Vadose Zoneand Groundwater (Withdrawn 2013)43. Terminology3.1 Definitions:3.1.1 conceptual modelan interpretation or working de-scription of the characteristics and dynamics of the physicalsystem.3.1.2 groundwater flow mo
20、delapplication of a mathemati-cal model to represent a regional or site-specific groundwaterflow 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
21、terms used in this guide, seeTerminology D653 and Guide D5447.4. Summary of Guide4.1 This guide presents an integrated approach for concep-tualizing and characterizing groundwater systems. The concep-tualization and characterization process includes: ProblemDefinition and Database Development (Secti
22、on 6); PreliminaryConceptualization (Section 7); Surface Characterization (Sec-tion 8); Subsurface Characterization (Section 9); Hydrogeo-logic Characterization (Section 10); Groundwater SystemCharacterization (Section 11); and Groundwater System Quan-tification (Section 12) (see Fig. 1). Conceptual
23、ization andcharacterization is an iterative process beginning with a theo-retical understanding of the groundwater system followed bydata collection and refinement of the understanding.Additionaldata collection and analysis, and the refinement of the ground-water system conceptual model occurs durin
24、g the entireprocess of conceptualization and characterization, and duringgroundwater model development and use (see Fig. 1).4The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced onwww.astm.org.NOTE 1Conceptualization and characterization is an iterative processbeginning with a theoret
25、ical understanding of the groundwater systemfollowed by data collection and refinement of the understanding. Addi-tional data collection and analysis, and the refinement of the groundwatersystem conceptual model occurs during the process of conceptualizationand characterization, and during groundwat
26、er model development and use.FIG. 1 Procedure for Conceptualization and Characterization ofGroundwater Flow Systems (2)D5979 96 (2014)24.2 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. Signif
27、icance and Use5.1 Conceptualization and characterization of a groundwa-ter 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 rendere
28、d in quali-tative terms or simple illustrations. The extent of furtherdevelopment of the representation of the system depends on thecharacter of the groundwater problem and the project objec-tive. The abstract concept may suffice, or it may be furtherdefined and quantified through use of analytical
29、models 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 groundwater flow system sho
30、uld 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 groundwater flowsystems.5.2.2 Evaluating anthropogenic stresses on groundwaterflow systems, such as pumping for
31、 water supply, irrigation,induced infiltration, or well injection.5.2.3 Evaluating presence and velocity of groundwater con-taminants.5.2.4 Designing and selecting mathematical models tosimulate groundwater systems; and completing model schema-tization and attribution based on the problem defined, c
32、harac-terized groundwater flow system, and model(s) selected.5.2.5 Designing groundwater 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 D5717.5.4 The methods and amount of effort required forconceptualization, characterization, and quantification ofgroundwater systems for modeling or other applications willvary with site cond
35、itions, objectives of investigation, andinvestigator experience. This guide does not replace properacademic training and experience in hydrogeologic principles,or in groundwater system analysis and quantification. Thisguide does not set mandatory guidelines and does not consti-tute a list of necessa
36、ry steps or procedures for all investiga-tions.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 GuideD5730, Practice D5254, and Refs (3, 4, 5, and 6) for furtherguidance regarding fi
37、eld 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 models.
38、Refer to Ref (7) 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 groundwater system for characterization.6.2 Define the SiteThe boundaries of a site are defined
39、using 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 contaminant
40、 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. Forexample, investigations of groundwater contamination
41、 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 D5254 and
42、Guides D5408, D5409, D5410, D5474,and D5730 for data elements to identify a groundwater 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. Note levels of q
43、uality 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 historical data
44、 (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, vegetation,soils, hydrolo
45、gy, hydrochemistry/geochemistry, and anthropo-genic aspects (see Table 2).55Quality 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 or
46、iginal, 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.D5979 96 (2014)37. Preliminary Conceptualization7.1 Conduct field conceptualization using databases devel-oped under Section 6. I
47、n areas where field data are sparse, basicphotointerpretation and terrain analysis techniques may beapplied to remote sensing data, aerial photography, and topo-graphic maps to acquire information, and may be used toquantify and distribute hydrogeologic and groundwater systemparameters.7.1.1 Analyze
48、 existing data. This includes both the naturaland anthropogenic features of the site. This preliminary analy-sis may include land cover patterns (vegetation, soils, surfacewater type and distribution, topography, geology), landforms(surficial geology and geography), and drainage analysis.67.1.2 Cond
49、uct field reconnaissance to relate the preliminaryanalysis of the information collected to study site conditions.76See Ref (8) and Ref (9) for interpretations related to drainage density, drainagenetwork patterns, valley morphological patterns, and channel patterns and longitu-dinal profiles.7The importance of this step will vary depending on site conditions andinvestigator experience. This step is especially important when site conditions arecomplex or the investigators experience is limited regarding site conditions.TABLE 1 Data Topics and TypesTopography and Remote
