06-12, 11:10–11:40 (Europe/Rome), Room R3
Flow and transport processes in porous media encompass a diverse range of physical and (geo)chemical phenomena. While these take place across multiple spatial and temporal scales, their quantification is fraught with significant challenges. Their inherent complexity naturally leads to multiple interpretations that are rendered through diverse conceptual models and mathematical formulations. As we navigate the complexities of process formulation and parameterization, addressing uncertainties is then increasingly critical. Key challenges include managing spatial heterogeneity of model parameters, such as, e.g., permeability, porosity or reaction rate parameters, and tackling our limited knowledge of the detailed characteristics of the porous medium. In this context, we delve into the uncertainties associated with process and system formulation, as well as parameterization. We evaluate their impact on critical model outputs of environmental significance, including solute concentrations, source protection areas, and reaction rates. Our discussion encompasses experimental studies, characterization of spatial patterns and heterogeneities within porous media, global sensitivity analysis, and stochastic inverse modeling. We explore these uncertainties through illustrative scenarios that range from regional- to laboratory- scales. We consider complex aquifer systems, the dynamics of a pharmaceutical compound at the laboratory scale, and nanoscale observations of mineral dissolution under continuous flow conditions.
Vice Rector for Research and full Professor of Hydraulic and Water Engineering at Politecnico di Milano. Adjunct Research Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Director of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Politecnico di Milano (2017-2022).
Awarded the 2024 Henry Darcy Medal from the European Geosciences Union. Awarded the 2024 InterPore Medal for Porous Media Research from the International Society for Porous Media (InterPore). Elected International Member of the United States National Academy of Engineering (2024). Elected member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (2021). Awarded the Chaire Gutenberg and Prix Gutenberg 2018 (Award by Cercle Gutenberg and Région Grand-Est, France, for research on Climate change and water cycle in Upper Rhine Basin).
Main research activity (https://www.mipore.polimi.it/dt_team/alberto-guadagnini/) is related to flow and transport processes across porous media, qualitative and quantitative aspects of groundwater systems, and underground energy resources. Key roles in EU framework projects (FP5-FP7, H2020: Coordinator, Deputy Coordinator, Project leader, Supervisory Board member, and PI of numerous research projects funded by the industrial sector).
Chief Executive Editor of the Journal Hydrology and Earth System Sciences (EGU) and Associate Editor of the Journals Water Resources Research (AGU) and PNAS Nexus (NAS). Chair of the Committee on Groundwater Hydraulics and Management of the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR).