Modelling diesel fuel leaks in permafrost

Preliminary physical model studies were conducted to determine the likely fate of diesel and diesel/glycol mixtures leaking from drums buried in permafrost. A 3 m radius geotechnical centrifuge was used for the modelling work. Models were compacted in molds surrounded by 150 mm of styrofoam insulation. The molds were waxed and the ends were sealed to preserve the compaction water contents. Ice-rich models were formed at a water content of 18.5%, and ice-poor models were compacted at 13% water content. Diesel and diesel/glycol leaks were found to contaminate considerable volumes of ice-poor permafrost and lesser volumes of ice-rich permafrost. The principal mechanism was found to be advection, but the relative roles of gravitational head and internal interfacial suctions could not be determined. While these results were preliminary it was, nevertheless, evident that physical modelling is an appropriate tool to investigate contaminant transport phenomenon in permafrost. 3 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab