Predicting stream transient storage zone characteristics from tracer data

Abstract

A method for predicting solute transport in streams with transient storage is presented. The method uses the principle of superposition to generate general solutions for an arbitrary inflow boundary condition based on a fundamental solution for a constant finite duration loading. The principle of superposition is shown to give excellent results for the cases studied here. The method can be used to compute stream and transient storage characteristics from measured concentration versus time data from stream tracer studies.