A Method for Integrating Delayed Recharge Flux Through Unsaturated Zones into Analytical and Numerical Groundwater Flow Modeling

Abstract

AbstractThe temporal delay in the water table's response to precipitation is a common phenomenon. Using a mathematical model, we developed a function that represents the recharge flux through unsaturated zones of varying thickness to model the delayed response of groundwater level due to precipitation. The recharge flux from the developed function was integrated into the analytical and numerical models to estimate the actual groundwater levels in the unsaturated zone. The analytical and numerical models accurately determined the actual groundwater levels. Additionally, calibrated hydraulic parameters from numerical estimates reflected the values measured in the actual aquifer, thereby highlighting the potential application of the developed function to wide‐ranging groundwater problems. Based on the recharge function, a recharge module can be developed for existing flow simulators to enhance groundwater modeling.