The Use of Mathematical Models in the Analysis of Flow in a Regional Water Table Aquifer in Nsukka Area, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Groundwater development in Nsukka area is hampered by the incessant failure of boreholes drilled at the eastern boundary of a thick regional sandstone aquifer estimated at over 100km² in areal extent.The flow systems were investigated using mathematical models based on the solution of the Laplace equation for steady state flow from flow net and functional analysis. Well data from over forty boreholes were used. The aquifer hydraulic parameters used in the models include hydraulic heads (H),transmissivity (T),hydraulic conductivity (K) and flow gradient(i).Three  areas of the flow system have been identified in this work; areas of origin in the groundwater divide in the east associated with high heads that attain a maximum of 328m with gradient values of 1/200 or less ,the through flow or transfer areas of Nsukka plateau  with head values generally less than 300m and gradient values of 1/150 or less, and the discharge or termination areas in the west and northwest where heads are 230m  or less . The modeled parameters provide baseline data for drilling and design of boreholes and a clear understanding of the flow process.

Keywords: Aquifer,Groundwater, Flow , Model ,Nsukka Nigeria.