Abstract
The aim of this study was to propose a stochastic methodology using backward particle tracking to estimate time-related capture zones of a pumping well. Lattice cells with a certain length were introduced to assign binary values corresponding to particle pathlines within a certain travel time. Based on the particle travel histories in geostatistically generated hydraulic conductivity fields, ensemble of the lattice cell values provided the probability distributions of time-related capture zones. The methodology was investigated for a two-dimensional geometry with single and multiple wells, in homogeneous and heterogeneous aquifers under steady state flow conditions. The probability of each lattice cell was applied to the calculation of a quantitative measure expressing the uncertainty relevant to the probability distributions of the capture zones, demonstrating the effect of the heterogeneity on the uncertainty of capture zones.
