A Method for Numerical Simulation of Haline Convective Flows in Porous Media as Applied to Geology

Abstract

A numerical code for simulating haline convective flows in porous media based on the finite difference method on a staggered nonuniform grid is developed. The mathematical model includes the equations of continuity, Darcy, and transport of contaminants with variable properties of the solid and fluid phases. The convective term in the convection–diffusion equation is approximated using the QUICK scheme. The code is tested using the problem of the concentration step motion as an example. A numerical solution of the onset and development of haline convection in a semi-infinite porous (homogeneous or inhomogeneous) domain with a contaminant source on the upper boundary is obtained.