Strategy for evaluating channeling in the carbonate bedrock at Smithville, Ontario

Groundwater flow through carbonates typically results in a network of solutionally-enlarged channels (or conduits). These transmit much of the flow yet occupy only a small fraction of the void space in the aquifer. Since boreholes are unlikely to intersect the channels, standard aquifer tests are unable to characterize channel flow, and a novel strategy is needed. Four strategies are being used in the dolostone aquifer at Smithville to …