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A potential theory‐based finite element algorithm for freshwater recharge of saline aquifers: A sharp interface model
Author(s) -
Singh Satya P.,
Stammers William N.
Publication year - 1989
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/wr025i007p01685
Subject(s) - groundwater recharge , finite element method , aquifer , hydrology (agriculture) , boundary (topology) , galerkin method , geology , mechanics , mathematics , geotechnical engineering , groundwater , geometry , mathematical analysis , physics , thermodynamics
The size and shape of the freshwater lens developed during the freshwater recharge of thick, unconfined saline aquifers was investigated through a potential theory‐based finite element method (implicit difference‐in‐time scheme) in which the air‐freshwater free surface and the fresh‐saltwater interface boundary conditions have been integrated in the Galerkin's finite element formulation of the flow equation through Green's theorem in an iterative scheme using a sharp interface assumption. The model can also be applied to locate the positions of the fresh‐saltwater interface and the air‐freshwater free surface for recharge of strip oceanic islands. The model results are verified through experimental studies conducted on a Hele‐Shaw analogue.