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Sequential estimation of aquifer parameters
Author(s) -
Lu Allen H.,
Schmittroth F.,
Yeh William WG.
Publication year - 1988
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/wr024i005p00670
Subject(s) - a priori and a posteriori , groundwater flow , aquifer , least squares function approximation , sensitivity (control systems) , finite element method , mathematical optimization , mathematics , flow (mathematics) , inverse problem , inverse , algorithm , groundwater , estimation theory , computer science , geology , engineering , geotechnical engineering , statistics , geometry , mathematical analysis , philosophy , epistemology , structural engineering , estimator , electronic engineering
A two‐dimensional “inverse” or “parameter estimation” code was developed for use in the Basalt Waste Isolation Project site characterization program. The method uses a sequential least squares algorithm that incorporates a finite element groundwater flow code. Adjoint equations and flow equations are solved to provide an efficient calculation of sensitivity coefficients. The least squares algorithms are formulated to sequentially include the output information for updating a priori parameter estimates. Several cases were studied to demonstrate the methodology developed; included were an analysis of pumping from a single well and a sequential analysis in which results obtained by pumping from one well were combined with an analysis of pumping from a second well. The approach emphasizes the sequential nature of the problem whereby the characterization of site hydrology can be systematically improved.