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Analytical Model for Estimation of Steady‐State Capture Zones of Pumping Wells in Confined and Unconfined Aquifers
Author(s) -
Grubb Stuart
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
groundwater
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.84
H-Index - 94
eISSN - 1745-6584
pISSN - 0017-467X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-6584.1993.tb00824.x
Subject(s) - aquifer , steady state (chemistry) , geology , petroleum engineering , estimation , water well , geotechnical engineering , groundwater , engineering , chemistry , systems engineering
The analysis of capture zones of pumping wells is useful for designing pumping systems and wellhead protection programs. Using discharge potentials, equations are derived that can be applied to confined, unconfined, or combined confined and unconfined aquifers. The transient equations are transcendental and cannot be solved explicitly. However, infinite‐time (steady‐state) equations are presented which can be solved. They define an area in which, theoretically, all the water in the aquifer will eventually reach the pumping well, although the equations do not consider the effects of hydrodynamic dispersion. Equations for calculating the stagnation point, upgradient divide, and dividing streamline within the aquifer and an example problem are presented.