TY - JOUR
T1 - Nonstationary stochastic analysis of flow in a heterogeneous unconfined aquifer subject to spatially-random periodic recharge
AU - Chang, Ching Min
AU - Yeh, Hund-Der
PY - 2010/12/15
Y1 - 2010/12/15
N2 - The problem of two-dimensional groundwater flow in a heterogeneous unconfined aquifer under periodic random forcing in time is analyzed from a stochastic point of view. It is assumed that the periodic random forcing, namely random recharge, can be represented by a sinusoidal function in time. Analytical solutions are developed through the nonstationary spectral approach in conjunction with the principle of superposition. The results, namely the variances of hydraulic head and specific discharge, are expressed in terms of statistical properties of hydraulic parameters and recharge field. It can be concluded from the analytical results that the mean recharge rate and integral scale of spatially random recharge fluctuations play essential roles in enhancing the variability of hydraulic head and specific discharges.
AB - The problem of two-dimensional groundwater flow in a heterogeneous unconfined aquifer under periodic random forcing in time is analyzed from a stochastic point of view. It is assumed that the periodic random forcing, namely random recharge, can be represented by a sinusoidal function in time. Analytical solutions are developed through the nonstationary spectral approach in conjunction with the principle of superposition. The results, namely the variances of hydraulic head and specific discharge, are expressed in terms of statistical properties of hydraulic parameters and recharge field. It can be concluded from the analytical results that the mean recharge rate and integral scale of spatially random recharge fluctuations play essential roles in enhancing the variability of hydraulic head and specific discharges.
KW - Heterogeneous unconfined aquifers
KW - Nonstationary spectral approach
KW - Periodic random recharge
KW - Stochastic analysis
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=78649509901&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2010.10.016
DO - 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2010.10.016
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:78649509901
SN - 0022-1694
VL - 395
SP - 163
EP - 168
JO - Journal of Hydrology
JF - Journal of Hydrology
IS - 3-4
ER -