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Exact three-dimensional spectral solution to surface-groundwater interactions with arbitrary surface topography

January 1, 2006

It has been long known that land surface topography governs both groundwater flow patterns at the regional‐to‐continental scale and on smaller scales such as in the hyporheic zone of streams. Here we show that the surface topography can be separated in a Fourier‐series spectrum that provides an exact solution of the underlying three‐dimensional groundwater flows. The new spectral solution offers a practical tool for fast calculation of subsurface flows in different hydrological applications and provides a theoretical platform for advancing conceptual understanding of the effect of landscape topography on subsurface flows. We also show how the spectrum of surface topography influences the residence time distribution for subsurface flows. The study indicates that the subsurface head variation decays exponentially with depth faster than it would with equivalent two‐dimensional features, resulting in a shallower flow interaction.

Publication Year 2006
Title Exact three-dimensional spectral solution to surface-groundwater interactions with arbitrary surface topography
DOI 10.1029/2006GL025747
Authors A. Worman, A.I. Packman, L. Marklund, J. W. Harvey, S.H. Stone
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Geophysical Research Letters
Index ID 70030519
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Toxic Substances Hydrology Program