Principal Investigator: M. M. Aral (Georgia Institute of Technology)
Sponsor: GWRI
Start Date: 1984-08-01; Completion Date: 1985-08-01;
Keywords: Ground water seepage, *Finite element method, Multilayer aquifers, Aquifer management
Description:
In order to effectively monitor and manage aquifers subjected to artificial recharge as well as increased pumping demands, it becomes necessary to analyse their hydrodynamic response. Several mathematical/numerical models are developed earlier to accomplish this purpose in a regional scale for single layer aquifers. In the present study a regional two-dimensional flow analysis is formulated using finite element techniques for multilayer aquifers. The advantages of using finite element analysis for aquifer analysis become evident when attempting to model irregular boundaries and variable inputs such as recharge, pumping and field properties in multilayer systems. Numerical solutions are also presented, which when compared with known analytical solutions show the accuracy levels expected and also some limitations of the model. This study is a preliminary step toward the ultimate goal of predicting and monitoring water quality and quantity in a multilayer aquifer system.