The influence of capillarity on multiphase flow within porous media: a new model for interpreting fluid levels in groundwater monitoring wells in dynamic aquifers

A new approach is presented to calculate the volume of oil in the underground at an oil spill site from fluid levels in monitoring wells. The approach includes the effects of hysteresis due to irregular pore geometry and to phase entrapment. It is possible to explain the drastic changes in the oil thickness in a monitoring well due to the decrease and increase in the groundwater table. A correct evaluation of the oil volume infiltrated underground from an oil spill and the effective control of remediation works can only be done by using the newly developed approach with a consideration of the dynamic changes in the groundwater table.