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Spreadsheet Tools for Quantifying Seepage Flux Across the GW‐SW Interface
Author(s) -
Ford R. G.,
Lien B. K.,
Acree S. D.,
Ross R. R.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/2019wr026232
Subject(s) - flux (metallurgy) , transient (computer programming) , groundwater , environmental science , sediment , hydrology (agriculture) , steady state (chemistry) , magnitude (astronomy) , range (aeronautics) , interface (matter) , soil science , geology , surface water , geotechnical engineering , meteorology , geomorphology , environmental engineering , engineering , computer science , materials science , chemistry , physics , astronomy , aerospace engineering , metallurgy , operating system , capillary number , capillary action
Identifying the spatial distribution and magnitude of seepage flux across the groundwater‐surface water (GW‐SW) interface is critical for assessing potential impairments and restoration alternatives for water bodies adjacent to sites with groundwater contamination. Measurement of the vertical distribution and time‐varying characteristics of temperature in sediments provides an indirect way to map out spatial and temporal patterns of seepage flux into surface water. Two spreadsheet‐based calculation tools are introduced that implement four one‐dimensional analytical solutions to calculate the magnitude and direction of seepage flux based on measurement of steady‐state vertical temperature profiles or transient diel temperature signals at two depths within sediment. Performance of these calculation tools is demonstrated for a pond receiving contaminated groundwater discharge from an adjacent landfill. Transient versus steady‐state model performance is compared, and limitations of transient models are illustrated for a situation with unfavorable sediment characteristics and inadequate sensor spacing. The availability of a range of analytical solutions implemented within Microsoft Excel® is intended to encourage practitioners to explore use of this seepage flux characterization method and develop greater insight into best practices for model selection and use.