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Finite-difference model to simulate the areal flow of saltwater and fresh water separated by an interface

James W. Mercer·S. P. Larson·Charles R. Faust
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Abstract

Model documentation is presented for a two-dimensional (areal) model capable of simulating ground-water flow of salt water and fresh water separated by an interface. The partial differential equations are integrated over the thicknesses of fresh water and salt water resulting in two equations describing the flow characteristics in the areal domain. These equations are approximated using finite-difference techniques and the resulting algebraic equations are solved for the dependent variables, fresh water head and salt water head. An iterative solution method was found to be most appropriate. The program is designed to simulate time-dependent problems such as those associated with the development of coastal aquifers, and can treat water-table conditions or confined conditions with steady-state leakage of fresh water. The program will generally be most applicable to the analysis of regional aquifer problems in which the zone between salt water and fresh water can be considered a surface (sharp interface). Example problems and a listing of the computer code are included. (USGS).

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James W. Mercer, S. P. Larson, Charles R. Faust. 1980. Finite-difference model to simulate the areal flow of saltwater and fresh water separated by an interface. https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr80407

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