Global curve-fitting for determining the hydrogeological parameters of leaky confined aquifers by transient flow pumping test

Abstract

Proper management of groundwater resources requires an accurate evaluation of the parameters (hydraulic properties) that control the movement and storage of groundwater. Hydrogeological parameters are the basis of groundwater evaluation, modeling, and management and so on. A global curve-fitting method incorporating pumping test data and water table recovery data was introduced in the present study. The principal and procedures of the method were elucidated in detail. The drawdown and recovery data from two sets of transient flow pumping test conducted in no. 2 water source site of Shizuishan city were used to verify the calculation accuracy of the proposed method. The hydrogeological parameters were also estimated with traditional type curve-fitting method on the basis of formula derived by Hantush and Jacob. The hydrogeological parameters calculated by the two methods were compared and the results show that the parameters obtained by the global curve-fitting method are a little bigger than but very close to those obtained by the traditional type curve-fitting method. The proposed method which possesses three major advantages is feasible and reliable in aquifer parameter identification. A comparative study on various methods for parameter identification is required and expected in future study.