Vertically Integrated Hydraulic Conductivity: A New Parameter for Groundwater-Surface Water Analysis.
Thomas J Glose, Christopher S Lowry1, Mark B Hausner2
1Department of Geology, University at Buffalo, North Campus, 126 Cooke Hall, Buffalo, NY, 14260-4130.
Ground Water
|January 25, 2019
Summary
We introduce vertically integrated hydraulic conductivity (KV) to simplify groundwater-surface water interaction models. This new bulk parameter improves flow modeling accuracy by replacing complex subsurface details when vertical flux is key.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology
- Hydrogeology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Numerical modeling is crucial for understanding groundwater-surface water interactions, nutrient transport, and water budgets.
- Current methods use upscaling techniques that are either overly simplistic or computationally intensive.
- These methods often struggle with disparate data scales and complex subsurface heterogeneity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a new bulk parameter, vertically integrated hydraulic conductivity (KV), as a simplified alternative for modeling vertical fluxes.
- To demonstrate the utility of KV in situations where complex subsurface heterogeneity is not the primary concern.
- To enhance the accuracy and robustness of groundwater-surface water interface flow modeling.
Main Methods:
- Developed the concept of vertically integrated hydraulic conductivity (KV) as depth-integrated resistance to fluid flow.
- Utilized synthetic temperature time series data from numerical models.
- Quantified vertical fluxes using the amplitude ratio method and Darcy's Law to calculate KV.
- Compared calculated KV with equivalent hydraulic conductivity (KT) for an infinitely extending layer.
Main Results:
- Vertically integrated hydraulic conductivity (KV) effectively replaces complex subsurface configurations for modeling vertical fluxes.
- The method allows for direct quantification of KV using simulated temperature data and Darcy's Law.
- KV provides a more accurate and robust approach for flow modeling at the groundwater-surface water interface.
Conclusions:
- Vertically integrated hydraulic conductivity (KV) offers a valuable simplification for hydrological models focusing on vertical flow.
- This parameter reduces computational complexity and improves modeling efficiency without sacrificing accuracy in relevant scenarios.
- KV facilitates better understanding and management of groundwater-surface water dynamics, especially where heterogeneity is not dominant.
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