Groundwater Flow Equations (pp. 130-135; XX-XX)

Confined Aquifer

\[S \frac{\partial h}{\partial t} = \frac{\partial}{\partial x}(T_x\frac{\partial h}{\partial x}) + \frac{\partial}{\partial y}(T_y\frac{\partial h}{\partial y}) \pm source/sink \]

Unconfined Aquifer

\[S_y \frac{\partial h}{\partial t} = \frac{\partial}{\partial x}(K_x h \frac{\partial h}{\partial x}) + \frac{\partial}{\partial y}(K_y h \frac{\partial h}{\partial y}) \pm source/sink \]

Solutions (p. 134)

Solved by a model that consists of the governing flow equation (one of the above), boundary conditions, and initial conditions. Generally the goal is a description of the head at any location and time.

Solution methods:

  • Analysis. Some geometries are suitable for analysis (using calculus), other complex geometries are solved using computer programs implementing numerical methods.

  • Computer Programs