Influence of nonuniform recharge on groundwater flow in heterogeneous aquifers

Ming-Chang Wu; Ping-Cheng Hsieh; Ming-Chang Wu; Ping-Cheng Hsieh

doi:10.3934/math.20231540

AIMS Mathematics

2023, Volume 8, Issue 12: 30120-30141. doi: 10.3934/math.20231540

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Influence of nonuniform recharge on groundwater flow in heterogeneous aquifers

Ming-Chang Wu ,
Ping-Cheng Hsieh ^,

Department of Soil and Water Conservation, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan

Received: 16 August 2023 Revised: 19 October 2023 Accepted: 01 November 2023 Published: 06 November 2023
MSC : #76S05

The composition of soils in aquifers is typically not homogeneous, and soil layers may be cracked or displaced due to geological activities. This heterogeneity in soil distribution within aquifers affects groundwater flow and water level variations. In the present study, we established a two-dimensional (2D) mathematical model that considers the influence of surface recharge on groundwater flow in heterogeneous sloping aquifers. By considering temporal variations in surface recharge, slope angle and aquifer heterogeneity, the simulated results are expected to better reflect real conditions in natural aquifers. The effects of aquifer heterogeneity on groundwater flow and water levels are particularly significant in sloping aquifers. The study's findings indicate that even when the soil composition remains constant, variations in groundwater level and flow may be considerable, depending on factors such as soil alignment, slope angle of the aquifer's base layer and the direction of water flow.
- 2D Boussinesq equation,
- heterogeneous aquifer,
- recharge,
- anisotropy
Citation: Ming-Chang Wu, Ping-Cheng Hsieh. Influence of nonuniform recharge on groundwater flow in heterogeneous aquifers[J]. AIMS Mathematics, 2023, 8(12): 30120-30141. doi: 10.3934/math.20231540

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Abstract

The composition of soils in aquifers is typically not homogeneous, and soil layers may be cracked or displaced due to geological activities. This heterogeneity in soil distribution within aquifers affects groundwater flow and water level variations. In the present study, we established a two-dimensional (2D) mathematical model that considers the influence of surface recharge on groundwater flow in heterogeneous sloping aquifers. By considering temporal variations in surface recharge, slope angle and aquifer heterogeneity, the simulated results are expected to better reflect real conditions in natural aquifers. The effects of aquifer heterogeneity on groundwater flow and water levels are particularly significant in sloping aquifers. The study's findings indicate that even when the soil composition remains constant, variations in groundwater level and flow may be considerable, depending on factors such as soil alignment, slope angle of the aquifer's base layer and the direction of water flow.

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