Modeling Pumping of Saline Water from Two-Layer Aquifer

Abstract

Flow mechanisms causing salinity changes during various pumping conditions in a two-layer aquifer are presented and discussed on the basis of empirical observations. Theoretical models explaining the basic features of the observed behavior are proposed and applied in order to reproduce some of the observed phenomena. The models are based on simple assumptions regarding ground-water flow and mixing of the fresh and saline water. Qualitative predictions of the models proposed are acceptable. The models explain such phenomena as the following: (1) increase of salinity within the well during recovery; (2) initial increase of chlorides content after reintroduction of pumping and subsequent reduction of salinity; and (3) influence of the rate of pumping on the rate of chlorides content's reduction. The models proposed are “low-resolution” models that take into account only the basic features of phenomena observed.