A Generalized Approach for Modeling 3D Transient Free and Moving Boundaries in Coastal Aquifers

Mohammed Adil Sbai (1) , F. de Smedt (2) , A. Larabi (3)

1 BRGM - Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM)
2 Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering
3 Département Génie minéral

Coastal aquifers involve varying conditions in time and space, owing to the occurrence of free and moving boundaries, such as the water table, seepage face and saltwater intrusion interface. A fast Updating Procedure (FUP) is developed for solving these interfaces in steady and transient conditions with the finite element method. Several test examples, which involve confined and phreatic groundwater flow in coastal aquifers, are studied to demonstrate the FUP capability of predicting accurate results. Comparisons of the FUP numerical results are made against available analytical solutions, laboratory experiments measurements and other computer codes.To show also the capability of this technique to solve real field situations, it was applied to the coastal aquifer of Martil in Morocco to study and understand the aquifer response to changes in recharge and total rate of pumping water, and their effects on seawater intrusion.

Domaines: Sciences de la Terre

Mohammed Adil Sbai, F. de Smedt, A. Larabi. A Generalized Approach for Modeling 3D Transient Free and Moving Boundaries in Coastal Aquifers. First International Conference on Saltwater Intrusion and Coastal Aquifers - Monitoring, Modeling, and Management, Apr 2001, Essaouira, Morocco. 10 p. ⟨hal-00589891⟩