Modification of Canal Flow due to Stream-Aquifer Interaction

Abstract

Unsteady canal flow in an integrated canal-flow–groundwater-flow system is analyzed by solving the coupled equations governing canal flow, groundwater flow and the seepage between them. Analytical solutions are obtained for the coupled system for small water-level disturbances using Fourier analysis methods and complex variables. Dimensionless parameter groups characterizing the aquifer, the canal, and the sediment layer are identified using the governing equations and the solution. The influence in the aquifer and the semipermeable bottom sediment layer due to disturbances in canal flow is studied. The analytical solutions are compared to numerical solutions obtained using the MODFLOW model and the Hydrologic Simulation Engine of the South Florida Regional Simulation Model. Results of the analysis are useful in determining the range of aquifer, sediment, and canal characteristics for which stream-aquifer interaction is important. The results can be used to determine the conditions for which the canal is hydraulically disconnected from the aquifer because of the sediment layer. The analytical solution is useful to understand the propagation characteristics of small-amplitude water-level disturbances in the canal and the aquifer. The characteristics studied include the amplitude decay constant and the speed. The solution can be used to design benchmark problems that can be used to evaluate integrated canal-flow–groundwater-flow models. The results of the study can be used to estimate the space and time steps needed in the canal and the aquifer when simulating stream-aquifer interaction.