Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 12, 2025
07:15
Parameterizing V-notch Weir Equations for Flow Monitoring in a Drainage Control Structure
Published on: April 25, 2025
726
Spreadsheet Tools for Quantifying Seepage Flux Across the GW-SW Interface
Water Resources Research
|March 22, 2021
Summary
This study introduces tools to measure groundwater-surface water seepage flux using sediment temperature. These tools help assess water body contamination and guide restoration efforts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrogeology
- Geophysics
Background:
- Groundwater-surface water (GW-SW) interface seepage flux is critical for water body health, especially near contaminated sites.
- Assessing seepage flux magnitude and spatial distribution aids in identifying impairments and restoration strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce practical tools for calculating seepage flux across the GW-SW interface.
- To enable indirect mapping of seepage flux patterns using sediment temperature data.
Main Methods:
- Developed two spreadsheet-based calculation tools implementing four 1D analytical solutions.
- Utilized measurements of vertical temperature profiles (steady-state) and transient diel temperature signals at two sediment depths.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated tool performance using data from a pond receiving contaminated groundwater.
- Compared transient and steady-state model performance, highlighting limitations of transient models under specific conditions.
Conclusions:
- The developed tools provide a practical method for characterizing seepage flux.
- Encourages practitioners to adopt this temperature-based method for better insights into GW-SW interactions and model selection.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Design Example: Creating a Hydraulic Model of a Dam Spillway
459
Scaled hydraulic models of dam spillways provide a practical way to replicate and study the intricate flow dynamics of these structures. Often built to a 1:15 ratio, these models allow for observing critical water behavior, such as velocity distribution, flow patterns, and energy dissipation.
459
01:23Plane Potential Flows
633
Plane potential flows simplify fluid motion by assuming the fluid to be irrotational and incompressible. These characteristics allow these flows to be described by a velocity potential function, ϕ, representing the flow speed in a given direction, and a stream function, ψ, that visualizes the flow path, both governed by Laplace's equation. These parameters help in estimating flow patterns, velocity distributions, and pressure fields around various hydraulic structures.
Uniform...
Uniform...
633
01:29Gradually Varying Flow
209
Gradually varying flow (GVF) in open channels describes situations where water depth changes slowly along the channel due to factors like non-uniform bed slope, channel shape variations, or obstructions. This flow type occurs when the depth adjusts gradually to balance gravitational forces, shear forces, and energy requirements, resulting in a low rate of depth change.Characteristics of Gradually Varying FlowGVF is commonly observed in natural streams, rivers, and canals, where flow depth...
209
01:24Rapidly Varying Flow
203
Rapidly varying flow (RVF) in open channels is characterized by abrupt changes in flow depth over a short distance, with the rate of depth change relative to distance often approaching unity. These flows are inherently complex due to their transient and multi-dimensional nature, making exact analysis difficult. However, approximate solutions using simplified models provide valuable insights into their behavior.Key Features of Rapidly Varying FlowRVF is commonly observed in scenarios involving...
203
01:30Underflow Gates
165
Underflow gates are vital for controlling water flow in irrigation canals. The three main types of underflow gates — vertical, radial, and drum gates — serve different purposes while ensuring effective flow management. Vertical gates move up and down, generating a free-flowing water jet; radial gates pivot to regulate the flow; and drum gates rotate for precise adjustments. The flow through these gates is influenced by downstream conditions, resulting in free or drowned outflow.Free and...
165
01:30Typical Model Studies
512
Fluid mechanics model studies often utilize scaled-down systems to predict fluid behavior in full-scale environments, such as river flows, dam spillways, and structures interacting with open surfaces. Maintaining Froude number similarity in river models is crucial, as it replicates surface flow features like wave patterns and velocities.
512