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Combined use of flowmeter and time-drawdown data to estimate hydraulic conductivities in layered aquifer systems

Journal Article · · Ground Water
;  [1]
  1. Geological Survey, San Diego, CA (United States)
The vertical distribution of hydraulic conductivity in layered aquifer systems commonly is needed for model simulations of ground-water flow and transport. In previous studies, time-drawdown data or flowmeter data were used individually, but not in combination, to estimate hydraulic conductivity. In this study, flowmeter data and time-drawdown data collected from a long-screened production well and nearby monitoring wells are combined to estimate the vertical distribution of hydraulic conductivity in a complex multilayer coastal aquifer system. Flowmeter measurements recorded as a function of depth delineate uniform inflow to the wellbore, and this information is used to better discretize the vertical distribution of hydraulic conductivity using analytical and numerical methods. The time-drawdown data complement the flowmeter data by giving insight into the hydraulic response of aquitards when flow rates within the wellbore are below the detection limit of the flowmeter. The combination of these field data allows for the testing of alternative conceptual models of radial flow to the wellbore.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
194766
Journal Information:
Ground Water, Journal Name: Ground Water Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 34; ISSN GRWAAP; ISSN 0017-467X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English