CALIBRATION OF A DISCRETE CONTINUUM FLOW MODEL IN A KARSTIC AQUIFER

It has been suggested that the detection of systematic regional anomalies in the spatial distribution of hydraulic head gradients can be transformed into a useful tool for the interpretation of the role of conduit networks in the definition of the regional flow pattern of karst aquifers. To test this hypothesis, three sectors were defined in the Castelo de Vide karst aquifer (Portugal), with different degrees of hydraulic connectivity with the aquifer discharge areas in an initially defined “artificial conduit network” controlling flow at aquifer scale. These sectors were identified by the detection of regional trends in the spatial distribution of hydraulic head. This procedure yielded remarkably positive results in the simulation of the aquifer hydraulic behaviour in both steady state and transient simulations, using a 3-D regional discrete continuum flow model. This type of model helps managing and protecting water resources of karstic regions.