USGS

Particle-Tracking Analysis of Contributing Areas of Public-Supply Wells in Simple and Complex Flow Systems, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

U.S. Geological Survey, Water-Supply Paper 2434

Paul M. Barlow


Table of Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Purpose and Scope

Previous Investigations

Approach

Acknowledgments

Hydrogeologic Framework

Hydraulic Conductivity and Porosity

Ground-Water Flow Systems

Simple Flow System

Complex Flow System

Numerical Models of Ground-Water Used in Particle-Tracking Analysis

Simple Flow System

Conceptual Model of Ground-Water Flow

Three-Dimensional Model

Grid

Boundary Conditions

Hydraulic Properties

Calibration and Sensitivity

Two-Dimensional Model

Complex Flow System

Conceptual Model of Ground-Water Flow

Three-Dimensional Model

Grid

Boundary Conditions

Hydraulic Properties

Calibration and Sensitivity

Two-Dimensional Model

Particle-Tracking Analysis of Contributing Areas

Procedure for Delineation of Contributing Areas

Simple Flow System--Analysis of Contributing Areas to Two Hypothetical Wells

Delineation of Contributing Areas for a Pumping Rate of 0.5 Million Gallons Per Day Per Well

Sensitivity of Contributing Areas to Selected Factors

Penetration of Well Screens, Pumping Rates of Wells, and Ratio of Horizontal to Vertical Hydraulic Conductivity

Parameter Uncertainty: Horizontal Hydraulic Conductivity, Recharge, and Porosity

Sediment Heterogeneity

Vertical Discretization of Flow Model

Complex Flow System--Analysis of Contributing Areas to Existing Wells

Delineation of Contributing Areas for 1987 Average Daily Pumping Rates

Source of Water to the Wells

Sensitivity of Contributing Areas to Selected Factors

Hydraulic Conductivity of Fine-Grained Sediments of Eastern Barnstable

Distribution of Wastewater Return Flow

Pond Depth and Vertical Hydraulic Conductivity of Pond-Bottom Sediments

Vertical Discretization of Flow Model

Data Requirements for and Limitations of Particle Tracking for Delineation of Contributing Areas

Summary and Conclusions

References Cited

 


 

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