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Applicability of Slug Interference Tests for Hydraulic Characterization of Unconfined Aquifers: (1) Analytical Assessment
Author(s) -
Spane F. A.
Publication year - 1996
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.1745-6584.1996.tb01866.x
Subject(s) - aquifer , slug test , geology , slug , aquifer test , specific storage , geotechnical engineering , permeability (electromagnetism) , soil science , petrology , groundwater , groundwater recharge , paleontology , membrane , biology , genetics
Abstract Slug interference responses within unconfined aquifers are characterized by an initial wave or “hump,” which is followed by a flat transitional plateau region and then by a declining, recessional limb segment. The shape and amplitude of the initial wave are primarily controlled by the elastic characteristics (i.e., S) and degree of anisotropy within the aquifer, while transmissivity is the principal parameter affecting the transmission (i.e., arrival time) of the slug interference response. Wellbore storage and delayed‐yield effects tend to attenuate the test response. The transitional and late‐time recessional segments are significantly influenced by the aquifer's specific yield. In addition, test well/aquifer relationships, e.g., observation well distance, aquifer thickness, and well depth/aquifer penetration, also strongly affect slug interference characteristics. The sensitivity of the propagated response to test well/aquifer relationships indicates that slug interference tests can be designed to maximize the expected response for aquifer property characterization.