Ensemble estimation of time-related capture zones and capture probability of pumping well in heterogeneous aquifers using particle tracking approaches

Abstract

This paper presented a new ensemble estimation for capture zones of pumping well as well as for those area and perimeter using backward particle tracking. Geostatistically generated hydraulic conductivity fields having different heterogeneity were of concern to estimate time-related capture zones, showing that the increase of heterogeneity leads to ambiguous capture zones. Random walk particle tracking was applied to assess the capture probability of well that initial particle distributions comprising capture zones are extracted by the well. Ensemble of the mass evolutions associated with all realizations exhibited the effects of heterogeneities not only in hydraulic conductivity fields but in retardation fields on the capture probability.