A numerical model to verify the communication between Gari and Peccia springs (Cassino, Central Italy)

Michele Saroli (a), Michele Lancia (a), Marco Petitta (b) & Gabriele Scarascia Mugnozza (b)
(a) Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and southern Lazio, Via G. Di Biasio 43, 03043, Cassino, Italy. E-mail: m.lancia@unicas.it (b) Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.

A numerical simulation has been performed through the Cassino plain, in order to test the contrasting hydrogeological conceptual-models, available in literature. The studied area shows two huge springs (Gari and Peccia springs) located on the edge of the Cassino plain. For numerical purposes, a 2D hydrogeological section has been built. The analysis followed a FEM (Finite Element Model) method by the software COMSOL®, assuming homogeneous and isotrope media. Using a porous approach, the Darcy law has been applied. The Gari-Peccia communication model has been studied from a numerical point of view, in order to quantify a possible underground flow. Since the model is affected by several approximations, the discharge ratio has been calculated, downstream and upstream Gari springs. The obtained results have been compared with field results from literature.

Apennines, karst hydrostructure, FEM analysis, springs communication.