Applicability of slug interference tests for hydraulic characterization of unconfined aquifers: (1) analytical assessment
- Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States)
Aquifer test methods available for characterizing hazardous waste sites are sometimes restricted because of problems with disposal of contaminated ground water. Partly for this reason, slug tests have become a popular method for determining hydraulic properties at such sites. Slug interference responses within unconfined aquifers are characterized by an initial wave or hump, which is followed by a flat transitional plateau region and then by a declining, recessional limb segment. The shape and amplitude of the initial wave are primarily controlled by the elastic characteristics (i.e., S) and degree of anisotropy within the aquifer, while transmissivity is the principal parameter affecting the transmission (i.e., arrival time) of the slug interference response. Wellbore storage and delayed-yield effects tend to attenuate the test response. The transitional and late-time recessional segments are significantly influenced by the aquifer`s specific yield. In addition, test well/aquifer relationships, e.g., observation well distance, aquifer thickness, and well depth/aquifer penetration, also strongly affect slug interference characteristics. The sensitivity of the propagated response to test well/aquifer relationships indicates that slug interference tests can be designed to maximize the expected response for aquifer property characterization.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 194764
- Journal Information:
- Ground Water, Vol. 34, Issue 1; Other Information: PBD: Jan-Feb 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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