Conceptualization and Characterization of Ground-Water Flow Systems

摘要

This paper describes an integrated, step-wise method for the qualitative conceptualization and quantitative characterization of ground-water flow systems, including the unsaturated zone. The conceptualization and characterization process, which is iterative and used at any scale, includes: 1) problem definition and data base development; 2) preliminary conceptualization; 3) surface characterization; 4) geologic and geomorphologic characterization; 5) hydrogeologic characterization; and 6) ground-water system characterization. Conceptualization of a ground-water system is fundamental to any qualitative or quantitative evaluation. This approach may be used in: 1) evaluating natural variations in ground-water flow systems; 2) evaluating anthropogenic stresses on ground-water flow systems, such as pumping for water supply, irrigation, induced infiltration, or well injection; 3) evaluating presence and velocity of dissolved ground-water contaminants; 4) designing and selecting mathematical models to simulate ground-water systems; 5) completing model schematization and attribution based on the problem defined, characterized ground-water flow system, and model (s) selected; and 6) designing ground-water remediation systems.