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Modelling of groundwater flow in heterogeneous porous media by finite element method
Author(s) -
Smaoui Hassan,
Zouhri Lahcen,
Ouahsine Abdellatif,
Carlier Erick
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
hydrological processes
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.222
H-Index - 161
eISSN - 1099-1085
pISSN - 0885-6087
DOI - 10.1002/hyp.8156
Subject(s) - hydrogeology , aquifer , hydraulic conductivity , finite element method , geology , hydraulic head , slug test , groundwater flow , groundwater recharge , groundwater model , geotechnical engineering , modflow , groundwater , porous medium , soil science , hydrology (agriculture) , porosity , engineering , structural engineering , soil water
The HySuf‐FEM code ( Hy drodynamic of Su bsurface F low by F inite E lement M ethod) is proposed in this article in order to estimate the spatial variability of the transmissivity values of the Berrechid aquifer (Morocco). The calibration of the model is based on the hydraulic head, hydraulic conductivity and recharge. Three numerical tests are used to validate the model and verify its convergence. The first test case consists in using the steady analytical solution of the Poisson equation. In the second, the model has been compared with the hydrogeological system which is characterized by an unconfined monolayer (isotropic layer) and computed by using PMWIN‐MODFLOW software. The third test case is based on the comparison between the results of HySuf‐FEM and the multiple cell balance method in the aquifer system with natural boundaries case. Good agreement between the Hydrodynamic of Subsurface Flow, the numerical tests and the spatial distribution of the thickening of the hydrogeological system is deduced from the analysis and the interpretations of hydrogeological wells. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.