Effects of River Partial Penetration on the Occurrence of Riparian Freshwater Lenses: Experimental Investigation

Abstract

Laboratory experiments and numerical modelling of the freshwater lens extent are used to provide physical verification (in light of limited examples of well-characterised field cases) of the analytical methodology, thereby evaluating the underlying assumptions. Parameter calibration and uncertainty analysis are applied to assess both the experimental conditions and the benefit of lens observations in applying the analytical approach. The experimental freshwater lens was reproduced by both analytical and numerical models.