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Three-dimensional model simulation of transient ground-water flow in the Albuquerque-Belen Basin, New Mexico

Water-Resources Investigations Report 86-4194
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri864194

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Abstract

A three-dimensional digital model that simulates transient flow in the alluvial aquifer system underlying the Albuquerque-Belen Basin, New Mexico, was constructed as part of a regional aquifer study of the southwest alluvial basins. The model simulates hydraulic heads and changes in hydraulic heads for 1907 to 1979. Hydraulic-conductivity values used in the accepted model range from 0.25 ft/day in part of the Santa Fe Group to 50 ft/day in the fluvial deposits in the Rio Grande flood plain. The majority of the basin-fill material of the Santa Fe group of Tertiary and Quaternary age was modeled as having a horizontal hydraulic conductivity of either 30 or 40 ft/day. The simulated specific storage of the aquifer was 0.000001/ft and the simulated specific yield was 0.10. The aquifer was simulated as being vertically anisotropic with a ratio of vertical to horizontal hydraulic conductivity of 1:500. Simulations for 1976-79 indicated that of the 100,000 acre-ft of groundwater withdrawn annually from the basin-fill deposits outside of the Rio Grande flood plain, 68% was obtained from recharge around the basin margin, depletion of streams that are tributary to the Rio Grande, and the stream-aquifer system in the Rio Grande flood plain. Depletion of aquifer storage accounted for 25% of the groundwater supply to wells outside of the flood plain, and the remaining 7% was obtained by induced groundwater inflow from the Santo Domingo Basin. The model displayed an acceptable performance throughout the period of simulation. However, by the end of the simulation period, 1979, the portrayal of the Rio Grande flood-plain system as a specified hydraulic-head boundary was having adverse effects on the simulation. (Author 's abstract)

Suggested Citation

Kernodle, J.M., Miller, R.S., and Scott, W.B., 1987, Three-dimensional model simulation of transient ground-water flow in the Albuquerque-Belen Basin, New Mexico: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 86-4194, viii, 86 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri864194.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Three-dimensional model simulation of transient ground-water flow in the Albuquerque-Belen Basin, New Mexico
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 86-4194
DOI 10.3133/wri864194
Year Published 1987
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description viii, 86 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
Additional publication details