Hantush Solution for Wedge-Shaped Confined Aquifers
Description
A mathematical solution by Hantush (1962) is useful for determining the hydraulic properties (transmissivity and storativity) of wedge-shaped nonleaky confined aquifers. Analysis involves matching the Hantush solution to drawdown data collected during a pumping test. The solution assumes that thickness of the aquifer varies exponentially.
AQTESOLV provides visual and automatic methods for matching the Hantush solution to pumping test data. This easy-to-use and intuitive software promotes rapid and accurate determination of aquifer properties.
Assumptions
The following assumptions apply to the use of the Hantush wedge-shaped aquifer solution:
- aquifer has infinite areal extent
- aquifer is homogeneous, isotropic and of uniform thickness
- control well is fully penetrating
- flow to control well is horizontal
- aquifer is nonleaky confined
- flow is unsteady
- water is released instantaneously from storage with decline of hydraulic head
- diameter of control well is very small so that storage in the well can be neglected
- the thickness of the aquifer varies exponentially in the direction of flow
- the rate of change in aquifer thickness in the direction of flow does not exceed 0.20
- the influence of pumping has not extended beyond the section of the aquifer at which the tangents of the maximum angles of dip of the confining beds are greater than 0.20
Solution Options
AQTESOLV provides the following options for the Hantush solution for a wedge-shaped aquifer:
- variable pumping rates
- multiple observation wells
References
Hantush, M.S., 1962. Flow of ground water in sands of nonuniform thickness; 3. Flow to wells, Jour. Geophys. Res., vol. 67, no. 4, pp. 1527-1534.
See also: solution methods, pumping tests