Series solutions for seepage in three dimensional aquifers

Abstract

Most models of seepage in homogeneous aquifers assume a two dimensional flow regime. We present a series method that can be used to provide three dimensional solutions for saturated seepage problems in real time. The aquifer lies on a horizontal aquiclude and can have arbitrary soil surface geometry. We show that exponential convergence can be achieved for the correct choice of soil surface representation. The series solutions obtained are used to generate velocity profiles and streamline solutions, once again in real time. These solutions demonstrate the significant differences between two and three dimensional models of seepage.