93221592 Serrano This two-year award supports U.S.-Spain cooperative research between Sergio Serrano, University of Kentucky, and Andres Sahuquillo, Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain. They will collaborate on the use of semi-analytical methods to solve scale-dependent contaminant transport equations in heterogeneous aquifers. The solution of the differential equations for contaminant transport in heterogeneous aquifers is made difficult by the many varied boundaries and interfaces encountered under natural conditions. Executing numerical solutions methods on a fine time-space grid slows the computations to an extent that can make the method prohibitive. The use of semi-analytical methods offers an alternative to arrive at stable solutions that may result in more accurate forecasting models and a better understanding of contaminant migration in aquifers. The project will take advantage of this approach, more common to European hydrologists, and the expertise of Dr. Sahuquillo and his development of semi-analytical methods in groundwater hydrology. This proposal contributes to greater intellectual interaction between the different approaches of the European and American communities that may lead to significant contributions to this important problem. * * *
