A Simple Analytical Formula for the Leakage Flux Through a Perforated Aquitard
2015
Bonte, Matthijs | Zaadnoordijk, Willem Jan | Maas, Kees
In this methods note, we present a simple analytical formula to quantify the steady‐state leakage flux (Q) over a perforated aquitard. The flux depends on the aquitard thickness (D), the radius of the perforation (R), the hydraulic conductivity of the material inside the perforation (kfᵢₗₗ), the conductivities of the overlying and underlying aquifers (k₁ and k₂, respectively), and the head difference between the two aquifers (ΔH): [Formula: see text] This equation assumes an aquitard separating two homogeneous and infinite aquifers (R ≪ aquifer thickness) in which radial flow to and from the perforation occurs, with no other recharge or discharge boundaries near the perforation. The flux through a perforation in a hypothetical case study with D = 10 m, k₁ = 10 m/d, k₂ = 20 m/d, R = 0.072 m, and ΔH = 1 m ranges between less than 1 mL/d if the hole is backfilled with bentonite (kfᵢₗₗ = 10⁻⁴ m/d), to several liters per day if the perforation is backfilled with sand from the overlying aquifer (kfᵢₗₗ = 10 m/d), to several m³/d if the perforation forms an open conduit (kfᵢₗₗ = 10⁵ m/d). The leakage fluxes calculated with this model agree well with those calculated using a numerical model (MODFLOW).
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by National Agricultural Library