Stochastic simulations based on mixed finite elements for solute transport in groundwater

An accurate mixed finite element method to solve both flow and transport is developed for stochastic simulations of transport in saturated aquifers characterized by random log-hydraulic conductivity fields. The main advantage of the mixed finite element is that it is local mass conservative. Unlike in stochastic finite element methods, this approach yields concentration fields and concentration moments for samples of the random field. In this way, it will be possible to analyze the behavior of different ensemble average observables of the transport process as well as the behavior of their fluctuations. Results of the stochastic simulations described here can be used to assess the reliability for real cases of the ensemble average quantities provided by stochastic modeling of transport in groundwater. (© 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)