Identification of Parameters in Finite Leaky Aquifer System

Existing methods for analyzing leaky artesian systems are graphical procedures which involve inflection-point estimation and extrapolation of field data, or superposition and matching, or both, of field data to a family of theoretical curves provided that analytical solutions are attainable. At present, there is not analytical method that treats a leaky artesian system of finite configuration. A systematic procedure for the identification of aquifer parameters in a finite leaky artesian system is developed that converts field observations directly to system parameters. The parameters to be identified are the transmissivity and storativity of the main aquifer and the leakage factor of the system. The algorithm involves finite difference approximation and quasilinearization in conjunction with least-squares optimization. Examples that demonstrate the applicability of the algorithm are presented.