Quasi Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model of the Madrid Basin in Spain

• Main Authors: Carrera, Jesus, Neuman, Shlomo P.
• Other Authors: Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Arizona, 85721
• Language: en_US
• Published: Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science 1982
• Subjects: Hydrology > Arizona.; Water resources development > Arizona.; Hydrology > Southwestern states.; Water resources development > Southwestern states.
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10150/301307

From the Proceedings of the 1982 Meetings of the Arizona Section - American Water Resources Assn. and the Hydrology Section - Arizona - Nevada Academy of Science - April 24,1982, Tempe, Arizona === Groundwater flow in the Tajo River basin surrounding the city of Madrid is studied with the aid of a quasi three-dimensional model. The model is based on an efficient adaptive explicit-implicit finite element method recently described by Neuman et al. (1982). The top layer is unconfined and interacts with the Tajo River and its tributaries. Reproduction of the existing conditions in the aquifer demonstrates the existence of local and intermediate flow patterns which are superimposed on the regional flow pattern. Such flow patterns could not be identified with a conventional two-dimensional model. The manner in which these patterns are affected by topography and stream configuration is clearly illustrated with the aid of three-dimensional plots constructed from a certain viewing angle. Similar plots are used to illustrate the evolution of drawdown zones due to pumpage at predetermined locations in the aquifer.