In this paper, using three-dimensional numerical modelling, we study Self-Potential (SP) signals associated with pumping test of highly heterogeneous aquifer. We based the modelling on the use of (1) MODFLOW hydrogeological modelling system to obtain the hydraulic head distribution, (2) a special code to calculate the electrical sources produced by groundwater flow, and (3) again MODFLOW at steady-state conditions to calculate the electrical potential distribution. We considered models containing a composite aquifer subdivided into high and low hydraulic conductivity parts, and an aquifer crossed by a zone with high and low hydraulic conductivity values. The modelling revealed two main features of SP. When the pumping well is located at the lower hydraulic conductivity part of the aquifer the SP signals closely correlate with the drawdown. Otherwise, the correlation between SP and drawdowns is poor; however, the boundaries between high and low hydraulic conductivity areas are marked by separate SP anomalies.

Original languageEnglish
StatePublished - 12 Sep 2019
Event25th European Meeting of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics, Held at Near Surface Geoscience Conference and Exhibition 2019, NSG 2019 - The Hague, Netherlands
Duration: 8 Sep 201912 Sep 2019

Conference

Conference25th European Meeting of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics, Held at Near Surface Geoscience Conference and Exhibition 2019, NSG 2019
Country/TerritoryNetherlands
CityThe Hague
Period8/09/1912/09/19

    Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Geophysics
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

ID: 61631101