Unsaturated flow through a fracture-matrix network: Dynamic preferential pathways in mesoscale laboratory experiments

Abstract

We conducted two laboratory experiments at the meter scale in which water was applied to the top of an initially dry, uncemented wall composed of porous bricks. One experiment (Experiment 1) encouraged evaporation and resulting mineral precipitation, while the other (Experiment 2) was designed to minimize these processes. In both cases, processes acting within the fracture network controlled early time behavior, forming discrete pathways and demonstrating fractures to act as both flow conductors and capillary barriers. At a later time, evaporation-mineral precipitation in Experiment 1 constrained flow, strengthening some pathways and starving others. In Experiment 2, the wetted structure took on the appearance of a diffuse plume; however, individual pathways persisted within the wetted structure and interacted, displaying erratic outflow over a wide range of timescales, including switching between pathways. Thus, under conditions of constant supply and both with and without evaporation-mineral precipitation, unsaturated flow through fractured rock can create dynamic preferential pathways.