EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Walker & Roberts 2003
Walker, D.D. and Roberts, R.M. (2003). Flow dimensions corresponding to hydrogeologic conditions. Water Resources Research 39: doi: 10.1029/2002WR001511. issn: 0043-1397.

The generalized radial flow approach to hydraulic test interpretation uses the flow dimension to describe the change in flow area versus radial distance from the borehole. The flow dimension of a hydraulic test may reflect several characteristics of the hydrogeologic system, including heterogeneity, boundaries, and leakage. We show that a radial flow system with a linear, constant-head boundary asymptotically reaches a flow dimension of four, while the flow dimension of a leaky aquifer is a function of time and the leakage factor. We use numerical techniques to show that a stationary transmissivity field with a modest level of heterogeneity has a flow dimension that stabilizes at two. We also show that the flow dimension for a nonstationary transmissivity field depends on the form and magnitude of the nonstationarity. The flow dimension observed during hydraulic tests helps identify admissible conceptual models for the tested system, and places hydraulic testing in its full hydrogeologic context.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Hydrology, Groundwater hydrology, Hydrology, Instruments and techniques, Physical Properties of Rocks, Permeability and porosity
Journal
Water Resources Research
http://www.agu.org/wrr/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit