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Estimating groundwater exchange with lakes. 2. Calibration of a three-dimensional, solute transport model to a stable isotope plume

Journal Article · · Water Resources Research; (USA)
 [1]; ;  [2]
  1. Geological Survey, Madison, WI (USA)
  2. Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison (USA)

A three-dimensional groundwater flow and solute transport model was calibrated to a plume of water described by measurements of {delta}{sup 18}O and used to calculate groundwater inflow and outflow rates at a lake in northern Wisconsin. The flow model was calibrated to observed hydraulic gradients and estimated recharge rates. Calibration of the solute transport submodel to the configuration of a stable isotope ({sup 18}O) plume in the contiguous aquifer on the downgradient side of the lake provides additional data to constrain the model. A good match between observed and simulated temporal variations in plume configurations indicates that the model closely simulated the dynamic of the real system. The model provides information on natural variations of rates of groundwater inflow, lake water outflow, and recharge to the water table. Inflow and outflow estimates compare favorably with estimates derived by the isotope mass balance method. Model simulations agree with field observations that show groundwater inflow rates are more sensitive to seasonal variations in recharge than outflow.

OSTI ID:
5607300
Journal Information:
Water Resources Research; (USA), Journal Name: Water Resources Research; (USA) Vol. 26:10; ISSN 0043-1397; ISSN WRERA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English