Improved regional groundwater flow modeling using drainage features: a case study of the central northern karst aquifer system of Puerto Rico (USA).

摘要: In northern Puerto Rico (USA), subsurface conduit networks with unknown characteristics, and surface features such as springs, rivers, lagoons wetlands, drain the coastal karst aquifers. this study, lines connecting sinkholes springs are used to improve developed regional model by simulating drainage effects of networks. Implemented in an equivalent porous media (EPM) approach, drains is able roughly reproduce spring discharge hydrographs response rainfall. Hydraulic conductivities found be scale dependent significantly increase higher test radius, indicating dependency EPM approach. Similar other regions world, hydraulic gradients steeper where transmissivity lower approaching coastline. This study enhances current understanding complex flow patterns aquifers suggests that using a feature improves modeling results available data on characteristics minimal.