MOVEMENT OF GROUND-WATER IN CONVERGING AQUIFER

An analytical solution for regional flow in a converging or wedge-shaped aquifer is given. Darcy's law and the continuity equation, expressed in cylindrical coordinates, were solved for flow in a vertical cross section of a two-dimensional aquifer. The lower horizontal boundary and the vertical boundaries at r = 0 and r = a are no-flow boundaries. The upper horizontal boundary is a prescribed head consisting of a linear increase with radius onto which is superimposed a sine wave. In plan view, the streamlines are radially convergent. The converging system shows a concentration of streamlines near the divide and a spreading of streamlines near the apex due to the prescribed potential on the upper boundary that limits the rate of water movement toward the apex. The effect of relief on local flow systems is limited, especially in the region near the valley bottom.