Digital-Simulation and Projection of Head Changes in the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy Aquifer System, Coastal Plain, New Jersey

摘要

A digital model was used to stimulate the response of the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer system to pumping stresses during the 18-year period, 1956-73. The model was used to compute projected potentiometric heads and trends to the year 2000. Three sets of conditions were simulated: (1) no increase in ground-water extractions; (2) continued growth in ground-water extractions at the rate of 3 percent annually; and (3) continued growth in ground-water extractions at the rate of 3 percent annually. Under the first set of conditions, further head reduction would cease over very large regions within two years. Under the second set of conditions, the broad cone of depression would broaden and deepen. Heads would range from 60 to 160 feet below NGVD of 1929 with declines after 1973 approaching 90 feet in some areas. The resultant steeper hydraulic gradients would accelerate the movement of salty ground water toward the pumping centers.