Modelling boreholes in complex heterogeneous aquifers

Upton, K.A.; Butler, A.P.; Jackson, C.R.; Mansour, M.. 2019 Modelling boreholes in complex heterogeneous aquifers. Environmental Modelling & Software, 118. 48-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2019.03.018

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Abstract/Summary

Reliable estimates of the sustainable yield of supply boreholes are critical to ensure that groundwater resources are managed sustainably. Sustainable yields are dependent on the pumped groundwater level in a borehole, how this relates to vertical aquifer heterogeneity, and features of the borehole itself. This paper presents a 3D radial flow model (SPIDERR), based on the Darcy-Forchheimer equation, for simulating the groundwater level response in supply boreholes in unconfined, heterogeneous aquifers. The model provides a tool for investigating the causes of non-linear behaviour in abstraction boreholes, which can have a significant impact on sustainable yields. This is demonstrated by simulating a variable-rate pumping test in a Chalk abstraction borehole. The application suggests the non-linear response to pumping is due to a combination of factors: a reduction in well storage with depth due to changes in the borehole diameter, a reduction in hydraulic conductivity with depth, and non-Darcian flow.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2019.03.018
ISSN:	13648152
Additional Keywords:	GroundwaterBGS, Groundwater, Groundwater modelling
Date made live:	18 Apr 2019 15:28 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/522964

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