Simulation of groundwater flow in complex multiaquifer systems: Performance of a quasi three-dimensional technique in the steady-state case

The ability of the classical quasi three-dimensional formulation to describe steady-state groundwater flow problems in complex multiaquifer environments is examined. In the present formulation, discontinuities in the aquifer and aquitard units can be accommodated along with partial or complete aquifer dewatering and confined or unconfined flow conditions. Some of the main assumptions underlying classical quasi three-dimensional schemes are scrutinized, including the requirement of a two orders of magnitude permeability contrast between aquifers and aquitards. Performance of the numerical scheme is studied through a series of test problems by comparing with results obtained from a conventional finite element model. A high degree of accuracy and flexibility is achieved with the extended quasi three-dimensional technique, yet the numerical efficiency inherent in the classical formulation is maintained. By dividing an aquifer into a series of horizontal sublayers, vertical resolution of the flow field can be achieved without resorting to a numerically intensive fully three-dimensional scheme. Because it is possible to compute a three-dimensional representation of the hydraulic head distribution in individual aquifers with the quasi three-dimensional formulation, even in the absence of layers of contrasting hydraulic conductivity, the technique provides a viable alternative to the much more complex fully three-dimensional schemes for a wide variety of groundwater flow problems. Key words: groundwater flow, multiaquifer, complex stratigraphy, numerical analysis, quasi three-dimensional, steady state.