Quantifying heterogeneity in variably fractured rock using a hydrostructural domain approach, Gulf Islands, British Columbia

A hydrostructural domain approach is used to derive hydraulic properties for the fractured bedrock aquifers of the Gulf Islands, British Columbia, Canada. Domains are defined using fracture intensity and modeled using a stochastic, discrete fracture network-equivalent porous medium (DFN-EPM) approach. Results show that the "highly" fractured interbedded sandstone and mudstone (1.0 m spacing) domain. The two highly fractured domains have an average permeability of 1 0-13 m2 compared to 1 0-14 m2 for the less fractured domain. The model results also show a westward decrease in transmissivity, porosity and permeability. This decrease appears to be associated with the hinge line of a large anticline. Independently collected pumping test data support this interpretation. The DFN-EPM approach used in this thesis may have applications to other areas where groundwater resources in fractured rock aquifers are of interest.