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Analytical Solutions for Steady-State Flow in Heterogeneous Leaky Aquifers: Verification against MODFLOW 6
1INTERA Incorporated, Swiss Branch, Hardstrasse 73, CH-5430, Wettingen, Switzerland.
Ground Water
|March 16, 2026
Summary
This study provides exact analytical solutions for groundwater flow in heterogeneous leaky confined aquifers. These solutions accurately model natural variations in aquifer and aquitard properties, offering a valuable tool for hydrogeologists.
Area of Science:
- Earth Science
- Hydrogeology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Traditional groundwater models often assume uniform aquifer and aquitard properties, which simplifies reality.
- Natural geological processes lead to spatial variability in hydraulic properties, impacting groundwater flow dynamics.
- Accurate modeling of heterogeneous systems is crucial for effective water resource management and contaminant transport prediction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop exact one-dimensional (1D) analytical solutions for steady-state groundwater flow in heterogeneous leaky confined aquifer systems.
- To incorporate spatial variability in both aquifer and aquitard properties, reflecting natural depositional and post-depositional processes.
- To provide reference solutions for validating numerical models and assessing spatial discretization needs.
Main Methods:
- Developed exact 1D analytical solutions for steady-state flow in a confined aquifer with a heterogeneous leaky aquitard.
- The aquifer system was discretized into vertical zones with distinct hydraulic properties.
- Solutions were validated against MODFLOW 6 simulations to confirm accuracy and robustness.
Main Results:
- The analytical solutions accurately capture steady-state groundwater flow under heterogeneous conditions.
- Validation against MODFLOW 6 simulations showed excellent agreement, confirming the model's correctness.
- The solutions effectively represent flow dynamics influenced by spatial variations in aquifer and aquitard properties.
Conclusions:
- The presented analytical solutions offer an exact and robust method for analyzing heterogeneous leaky confined aquifers.
- These solutions serve as crucial benchmarks for numerical groundwater flow models, particularly in resolving sharp hydraulic head transitions.
- An open-source Python implementation facilitates reproducibility and further research into complex aquifer systems.
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