Title: Analysis of groundwater-surface water interaction in horizontal unconfined aquifer bounded by a stream and groundwater divide using a non-linear numerical model

Authors: Gopal Chandra Saha

Addresses: Environmental Science and Engineering Program, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, British Columbia, V2N 4Z9, Canada

Abstract: In this study, a non-linear numerical model was developed to analyse the interaction between the drainage water moving from an unconfined aquifer and a surface water body. This interaction can occur during or after a rainfall event, which can cause the groundwater table to change. At first, a laboratory-scale aquifer model with stream and groundwater divide boundaries was established to examine horizontal unconfined aquifer condition. Both steady-state and transient experiments were performed by setting the water table at a steady-state using a constant recharge rate, and then allowing the aquifer to drain. The transient water table data showed highly non-linear variations. Then the experimental data were recreated using a non-linear numerical model, which used non-linear one dimensional Boussinesq equation and Picard iteration for solving non-linear term of the Boussinesq equation. The numerical model was able to predict the observed groundwater table data. The proposed numerical model is a useful and cost effective tool for managing groundwater-surface water management problems.

Keywords: groundwater-surface water interaction; horizontal unconfined aquifers; nonlinear modelling; numerical modelling; groundwater; surface water; drainage water; water management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHST.2013.058309

International Journal of Hydrology Science and Technology, 2013 Vol.3 No.3, pp.193 - 205

Published online: 12 Jul 2014 *

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