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Directions and rates of ground-water movement in the vicinity of Kesterson Reservoir, San Joaquin Valley, California

Water-Resources Investigations Report 86-4196
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri864196

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Abstract

A three-dimensional groundwater flow model was used to simulate groundwater flow for a 124 sq mi area in the vicinity of Kesterson Reservoir in the San Joaquin Valley, California. Available data were used to calculate a probable range of groundwater flow rates, but calibration and sensitivity analysis were not done for this model. Flow directions, as inferred from measured groundwater levels and simulated hydraulic heads from all model simulations, indicate that regional groundwater flow is from the south to the north. Kesterson Reservoir acts as a recharge mound superimposed on the regional-flow system. Groundwater moves in the horizontal and vertical direction away from Kesterson Reservoir. Mud and Salt Sloughs act as groundwater discharge areas. Simulated groundwater flow from Kesterson Reservoir did not flow beyond these sloughs. Groundwater from west of Mud Slough seems to flow west toward Los Banos Creek and east toward Mud Slough. Groundwater that travels toward Salt Slough from Kesterson Reservoir probably is lost by evapotranspiration near the surface before reaching Salt Slough. Groundwater between Salt Slough and the San Joaquin River seems to flow north and toward Salt Slough and the San Joaquin River. The canals and duck ponds generally act as sources of groundwater recharge. A method was developed for determining flow directions and distance traveled in three dimensions for discrete time increments using simulated groundwater fluxes. Simulated average horizontal pore velocities away from Kesterson range less than 0.01 to 140 ft/year. The simulated average vertical pore velocities range from 0.01 to 14.7 ft/year. (Author 's abstract)

Suggested Citation

Mandle, R., Kontis, A., 1986, Directions and rates of ground-water movement in the vicinity of Kesterson Reservoir, San Joaquin Valley, California: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 86-4196, v, 57 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri864196.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Directions and rates of ground-water movement in the vicinity of Kesterson Reservoir, San Joaquin Valley, California
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 86-4196
DOI 10.3133/wri864196
Year Published 1986
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description v, 57 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
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