Basic Hydrogeologic Methods: A Field and Laboratory Manual with Microcomputer Applications

by Fletcher; Frank

• ISBN13: 9781566764001
• ISBN10: 1566764009
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1996-11-25
• Publisher: CRC Press

Summary

FROM THE PREFACE The approach of this book is "how-to-do and hands-on." Its purpose is to provide clear, step-by-step instruction in many of the fundamental methods of hydrogeologic investigation. These methods include both 1) the traditional techniques of data analysis, such as mathematical computation by electronic calculator and construction of graphs by hand-plotting, and 2) microcomputer techniques employing electronic spreadsheets, graphing and gridding and contouring software. The microcomputer methods employ commercial software such as Lotus 1-2-3. Microsoft Excel, Quattro-Pro, Golden Software's Grapher and Surfer, and Geraghty and Miller's AQTESOLV. Although familiarity with any of the applications is helpful, the instructions in this manual assume no prior experience with them. Basic Hydrogeologic Methods is divided into three sections: Groundwater Occurrence and Movement, Groundwater Investigations, and Well and Aquifer Hydraulics. Each section begins with a brief summary of relevant terminology and principles. This introductory chapter is followed by a case study, which may be employed to provide a practical context for the hydrogeological methods that are described in subsequent chapters. Most of the methodological exercises culminate in an analytical product, such as data table, graph, contour map, etc., which readily serve as a focus for problem-solving activities, classroom discussions, and investigative reports. Many of the exercises present at least two investigative methods for accomplishing a particular hydrogeologic task. For example, time-drawdown graphs may be produced by a hand-plotting method or by a microcomputer method. For the professional scientist, the choice of a particular method might depend on such factors as the time available to carry out the task, the degree of accuracy required, or the availability of assessory equipment and materials. The introductory student can work through a more fundamental method (e.g., hand-plotting) before advancing to a microcomputer method (e.g., spreadsheet and graphing).

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
Part 1: Groundwater Occurrence and Movement
Principles of Groundwater Occurrence and Movement	3	(18)
Definition and Classification of Groundwater	3	(1)
Aquifers and Confining Units	3	(2)
Depth to Groundwater	5	(2)
Water Level Fluctuations	7	(3)
Water Table Geometry	10	(1)
Rock Properties Affecting Groundwater	11	(3)
Direction of Groundwater Flow	14	(4)
Rate of Groundwater Flow	18	(1)
References	19	(2)
Case Study: Hydrogeologic Investigation of a Proposed Flyash Storage Site	21	(6)
Statement of the Problem	21	(1)
Purpose and Scope	21	(1)
Background and Project Setting	22	(1)
Methods of Investigation	23	(2)
Report of Findings	25	(1)
References	25	(2)
Field Procedure for Measuring Depth to Water Level in Wells and Piezometers	27	(6)
Introduction to Methods	27	(1)
Wetted Tape Method	28	(1)
Electric Sounder Method	29	(2)
References	31	(2)
Analytical Procedure for Determining Elevation of Water Level and Depth to Water Level Below Land Surface	33	(10)
Introduction to Methods	33	(1)
Electronic Calculator and Worksheet Method	34	(2)
Microcomputer and Electronic Spreadsheet Method	36	(7)
Method for Graphing Water Level Fluctuations	43	(20)
Introduction to Methods	43	(1)
Hand Plotting and Graphing Method	43	(3)
Microcomputer and Electronic Spreadsheet Method	46	(9)
Microcomputer and Graphing Software Method	55	(8)
Method for Preparing Water Level Maps	63	(18)
Introduction to Methods	63	(2)
Hand Drafting Method	65	(4)
Microcomputer and Grid-Based Contouring Software Method	69	(10)
Reference	79	(2)
Method for Preparing Flow Line Maps	81	(6)
Introduction to Methods	81	(1)
Contour Map Method	81	(3)
Three Point Method	84	(1)
Reference	85	(2)
Analytical Procedure for Estimating Rate of Groundwater Flow	87	(12)
Introduction to Methods	87	(1)
Electronic Calculator and Worksheet Method	87	(5)
Microcomputer and Electronic Spreadsheet Method	92	(7)
Part 2: Groundwater Investigations
Principles of Groundwater Investigations	99	(30)
An Overview of Groundwater Investigations	99	(3)
Characterizing the Hydrogeologic Setting	102	(11)
Siting Water Supply Wells	113	(10)
Designing Groundwater Monitoring Systems	123	(3)
References	126	(3)
Case Study: Siting Test Wells for a Public Water Supply System	129	(4)
Statement of the Problem	129	(1)
Purpose and Scope	129	(1)
Background and Project Setting	129	(1)
Methods of Investigation	130	(1)
Report of Findings	131	(2)
Method for Characterizing The Hydrogeologic Setting	133	(12)
Introduction to Methods	133	(1)
Preparing a Geologic Base Map	133	(1)
Preparing a Geologic Column	134	(4)
Preparing a Structure Section	138	(3)
Preparing a Fracture Trace Map	141	(2)
References	143	(2)
Analytical Procedure for Determining Well Yield Frequency Distributions	145	(12)
Introduction to Methods	145	(2)
Electronic Calculator and Worksheet Method	147	(2)
Microcomputer and Electronic Spreadsheet Method	149	(6)
References	155	(2)
Method for Graphing Well Yield Distributions	157	(10)
Introduction to Methods	157	(1)
Hand Plotting and Graphing Method	157	(2)
Microcomputer and Graphing Software Method	159	(8)
Method for Preparing Groundwater Availability Maps	167	(6)
Introduction to Method	167	(1)
Estimating Potential Well Yield	168	(2)
Preparing a Groundwater Availability Map	170	(2)
Reference	172	(1)
Method for Preparing Test Well Site Maps	173	(8)
Introduction to Methods	173	(1)
Construction of a Test Well Sites Map	173	(4)
Reference	177	(4)
Part 3: Aquifer and Well Hydraulics
Principles of Aquifer and Well Hydraulics	181	(20)
Elements of Pumping Wells	181	(1)
Aquifer Properties	182	(3)
Aquifer Tests	185	(1)
Flow toward a Pumping Well	185	(3)
Drawdown in Ideal Aquifers	188	(6)
Effects of Lateral Boundaries	194	(2)
Leaky Confining Beds	196	(1)
Effects of Anisotropy	197	(1)
References	198	(3)
Case Study: Analysis of the Hydraulic Properties of an Aquifer	201	(4)
Statement of the Problem	201	(1)
Purpose and Scope	201	(1)
Background and Project Setting	201	(2)
Methods of Investigation	203	(1)
Report of Findings	204	(1)
Field Procedure for Conducting Aquifer Tests	205	(6)
Introduction to Methods	205	(3)
Constant Rate--Multiple Well Method	208	(2)
References	210	(1)
Analytical Procedure for Determining Time and Drawdown from Pumping Test Measurements	211	(10)
Introduction to Methods	211	(1)
Electronic Calculator Method	211	(3)
Microcomputer and Electronic Spreadsheet Method	214	(7)
Method for Graphing Time-Drawdown Curves	221	(20)
Introduction to Methods	221	(1)
Hand Plotting and Graphing Method	221	(1)
Microcomputer and Electronic Spreadsheet Method	222	(11)
Microcomputer and Graphic Software Method	233	(8)
Analytical Procedure for Estimating Hydraulic Properties of Ideal Aquifers: Theis Nonequilibrium Method	241	(14)
Introduction to Methods	241	(3)
Hand Plotting and Curve Matching Method	244	(5)
Microcomputer and Type Curve Matching Software Method	249	(4)
References	253	(2)
Analytical Procedure for Estimating Hydraulic Properties of Ideal Aquifers: Modified Theis Nonequilibrium (Cooper-Jacob) Method	255	(18)
Introduction to Methods	255	(1)
Hand Plotting and Graphing Method	256	(3)
Microcomputer and Graphing Software Method	259	(7)
Microcomputer and Type Curve Matching Software Method	266	(5)
References	271	(2)
Analytical Procedure for Estimating Hydraulic Properties of Leaky Aquifers: Hantush-Jacob Method	273	(14)
Introduction to Methods	273	(4)
Hand Plotting and Curve-Matching Method	277	(4)
Microcomputer and Type Curve Matching Software Method	281	(4)
References	285	(2)
Analytical Procedure for Estimating Hydraulic Properties of Unconfined Aquifers: Neuman Method	287	(16)
Introduction to Methods	287	(4)
Hand Plotting and Curve-Matching Method	291	(5)
Microcomputer and Type Curve Matching Software Method	296	(4)
References	300	(3)
Appendix: Preparing a Hydrodata Diskette	303	(6)
Index	309