Parameter estimation for fractional transport: A particle‐tracking approach

Space‐fractional advection‐dispersion models provide attractive alternatives to the classical advection‐dispersion equation for model applications that exhibit early arrivals and plume skewness. This paper develops a flexible method for estimating the parameters of the fractional transport model on...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inWater resources research Vol. 45; no. 10
Main Authors Chakraborty, Paramita, Meerschaert, Mark M, Lim, Chae Young
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 01.10.2009
Subjects
case studies
equations
estimation
hydrologic models
labeling
least squares
particles
rivers
spatial data
temporal variation
Mississippi
Michigan
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Summary:Space‐fractional advection‐dispersion models provide attractive alternatives to the classical advection‐dispersion equation for model applications that exhibit early arrivals and plume skewness. This paper develops a flexible method for estimating the parameters of the fractional transport model on the basis of spatial plume snapshots or temporal breakthrough curve data. A particle‐tracking approach provides error bars for the parameter estimates and a general method for model fitting and comparison via optimal weighted least squares. A simple model of concentration variance, based on the particle‐tracking approach, identifies the optimal weights.
ISSN:0043-1397
1944-7973
DOI:10.1029/2008wr007577