RATIO METHOD FOR DETERMINING CHARACTERISTICS OF IDEAL, LEAKY AND BOUNDED AQUIFERS

Abstract

A Ratio Method is presented, which dispenses with the classical curve-matching procedure for computing characteristics of Ideal, Leaky and Bounded aquifers. This simple method consists of selecting any three values of observed drawdown, (t₀, s₀), (t₁, s₁) and (t₂, S₂), such that t₁ = 2 t₀ and t₂ = 100 t₀. Then, using the ratios, s_{0/s 1} and s₀/s₂, the values of u₀, W_(u0) as well as r/B (in the case of leaky aquifers) and r_i (in the case of aquifers with one boundary) are extrapolated from the charts presented. The extrapolated values are substituted in the standard equations to determine the aquifer characteristics. The Ratio Method may also have useful application in other branches of science where the curve-matching procedure is employed for calculation of parameters. (Key Words: Ratio Method; Aquifer characteristics; Ideal aquifer; Leaky aquifer; Bounded aquifer)