Improved understanding of groundwater flow in complex superficial deposits using three-dimensional geological-framework and groundwater models: an example from Glasgow, Scotland (UK)

Turner, R. J.; Mansour, M. M.; Dearden, R.; Ó Dochartaigh, B. É.; Hughes, A. G.

Improved understanding of groundwater flow in complex superficial deposits using three-dimensional geological-framework and groundwater models: an example from Glasgow, Scotland (UK) | Amélioration des connaissances relatives aux écoulements souterrains dans des dépôts superficiels complexes en utilisant des modèles géologique tridimensionnel et hydrogéologique: exemple de Glasgow, Ecosse (RoyaumeUni) Comprensión mejorada del flujo de agua subterránea en depósitossuperficiales complejos usando el marco geológico y modelos de aguasubterránea tridimensionales: un ejemplo de Glasgow, Escocia (UK) 利用三维地质结构模型和地下水模型提高对复杂表层沉积中地下水流的认识: (英国) 苏格兰哥拉斯哥市的一个例子 Uma melhor compreensão do fluxo da água subterrânea em depósitossuperficiais complexos utilizando modelos geológicos tridimensionais emodelação de águas subterrâneas: um exemplo em Glasgow, Escócia (ReinoUnido)

2015

Turner, R. J. | Mansour, M. M. | Dearden, R. | Ó Dochartaigh, B. É. | Hughes, A. G.

Groundwater models are useful in improving knowledge of groundwater flow processes, both for testing existing hypotheses of how specific systems behave and predicting the response to various environmental stresses. The recent advent of highly detailed three-dimensional (3D) geological-framework models provides the most accurate representation of the subsurface. This type of modelling has been used to develop conceptual understanding of groundwater in the complex Quaternary deposits of Glasgow, Scotland (UK). Delineating the 3D geometry of the lithostratigraphical units has allowed the most detailed conceptualisation of the likely groundwater flow regime yet attempted for these superficial deposits. Recharge and groundwater flow models have been developed in order to test this conceptual understanding. Results indicate that the direction of groundwater flow is predominantly convergent through the permeable, relatively thick Quaternary deposits of the Clyde valley towards the River Clyde, which runs through Glasgow, with some indication of down-valley flow. A separate nearby system with thick and potentially permeable Quaternary deposits, the Proto-Kelvin Valley, may also be a significant conveyor of groundwater towards the River Clyde, although the absence of local data makes any conclusions conjectural. To improve the robustness of the current model there is a need for an overall increase in good quality groundwater-level data, particularly outside central Glasgow. A prototype groundwater-monitoring network for part of Glasgow is an encouraging development in this regard. This would allow the development of a time-variant groundwater model which could be used to study future modelling scenarios.

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