Calculation and mesh generation of a three-dimensional matrix fracture system

In solid rock aquifers low matrix permeability is often accompanied with fr actures and faults of different scales. Therefore, numerical modeling of su ch coupled systems is very complex. Flow of groundwater and mass transport processes in fractured systems have to be modeled along discrete surfaces j oined to the common matrix representation. This leads to high demands on th e quality of finite element mesh generation. Another difficulty is the eval uation of field parameters needed in the design of realistic models to simu late natural systems. This paper presents a strategy to generate three dime nsional finite element meshes, which allows the modeling of groundwater flo w and contaminant transport in a coupled matrix fracture aquifer system. So ftware development and data evaluation for the discussed application exampl e comes from the research project "Development and Application of Analytica l Methods on Investigations of the Reliability of Disposals in Open Mines" sponsored by the German Ministry of Education and Research. The scope of th is project is to determine the influence of a rising groundwater level in c losed coal mines on the transport of contaminants from waste material depos its in cut coal seams.