Incorporating soft information

During the characterization process of the spatial heterogeneity of the parameters that control radionuclide migration it is important to account for as much information as possible. The importance of using soft information for the characterization of the spatial variability of geological formations and their flow and transport properties is illustrated through a number of examples which include the use of statistically correlated secondary data (through cross-covariances and bivariate distributions) and inversely related data (through a state equation). The examples illustrate the types of data which are readily accountable for in the process of conductivity characterization and the results that can be obtained. One must seek incorporating as much secondary information as possible, since data charging a model helps in building confidence about it. (author)