A Simplified Analysis of Two‐Well Tracer Tests in Stratified Aquifers

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper illustrates several interesting effects of aquifer stratification on the results of two‐well tracer tests by means of a simplified computer model. In the model, it is assumed that the aquifer is horizontal, confined, of constant thickness and porosity, and perfectly stratified in the vicinity of the test wells. The nonuniform advection pattern is taken into account in detail by the model, but the local hydrodynamic dispersion is completely neglected. This simplified model has been verified in part by comparisons with available analytical solutions valid for homogeneous aquifers and in part by comparisons with the results of a two‐well field experiment of Pickens and Grisak (1981a) which was performed in a locally stratified aquifer. The applications of the model to several field situations with assumed values of the relevant parameters show that the concentration versus time breakthrough curve measured at the withdrawal well during a standard two‐well test would be very sensitive to variations of the hydraulic conductivity in the vertical. Without the use of supplementary observation wells with isolated multilevel sampling points, the standard test would give little useful information about the hydraulic and dispersive characteristics of an aquifer. Factors such as the length of the tracer injection period, the use of recirculation and the physical size of the experiment all have a strong effect on the breakthrough curve measured at the withdrawal well, making the interpretation of field results difficult unless aquifer stratification is measured and properly taken into account.