Numerical simulation of water table fluctuation in sloping aquifers

Abstract

In this study, the simulation of the water table change in sloping aquifers was carried out using the finite difference method (FDM-MOL) based on method of lines. The nonlinear partial differential equation representing this problem has no analytical solution. However, approximate analytical solutions obtained by linearizing the related equation are available in the literature. Since the numerical solutions given in the literature are quite different from the approximate analytical results and Chauhan's experimental results, in this study, almost exact solutions are obtained by choosing a very small grid size both in time and space. Two sloping aquifer examples were examined, and the solutions obtained with FDM-MOL and the methods given in the literature were compared. These obtained solutions can be used as benchmark solutions in future studies. © 2023 IAHR – International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research.