Three-Dimensional Hierarchical Hydrogeological Static Modeling for Groundwater Resource Assessment: A Case Study in the Eastern Henan Plain, China

Abstract

Groundwater is closely related to hydrogeological structure and hydro-lithology, which mainly refers to the spatial distributions and properties of the environment where groundwater occurs. To analyze the constraints of hydrogeological structure and hydro-lithology on regional groundwater resources in the Eastern Henan Plain, China, we reconstructed the three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical models at two scales, hydrogeological structural models and hydro-lithological models, using hydrogeological cross-sections. First, the hydrogeological structural models of four aquifer groups, corresponding to four formations of the Quaternary in the study area, were reconstructed. Second, the hierarchical hydro-lithological model was built using SIS and IK estimation under the constraint of each aquifer group model space, respectively. Compared to global model, the variograms of hierarchical model captured more spatial characteristics of lithology in each aquifer group. The IK hierarchical model presents more continuities, clear boundaries, and realistic geometric shapes of the three lithologies, excluding the banding characteristics of the IK global model. The hierarchical SIS models reproduced the lithology distribution of each aquifer group and captured small changes in the lithology, with the smallest absolute percentage errors (APEs). Third, coupling the SIS hierarchical models and the groundwater levels, the groundwater resource in the study area was estimated to have a total volume of 1.2339 × 104 m3. The shallow groundwater in the study area is mainly concentrated in Hebi City and the Puyang basin of the Yellow River, and deep groundwater is mainly concentrated in the northern Anyang City and Hebi City. Finally, the possible quantities of shallow and deep groundwater recharges were estimated for future groundwater management decision in the study area. The hierarchical hydrogeological model, groundwater resource assessment, and possible groundwater recharge estimation can also provide a basis for groundwater vulnerability, groundwater extraction, and land subsidence assessment.

Navigating the Depths: A Comprehensive Review of Numerical Groundwater Models – Objectives, Advantages & Challenges

“…As the pinnacle of numerical groundwater modelling, 3D models provide a comprehensive representation of subsurface hydrogeologic systems by accounting for spatial variability in all three dimensions. These models, characterized by their ability to capture complicated flow patterns and heterogeneity, are invaluable for site-specific assessments and detailed groundwater management [24]. By integrating geological, hydrological and geophysical data, 3D models provide unparalleled insight into groundwater flow dynamics, contaminant transport ways and the influence of human activities on aquifer sustainability.…”

Impact of Climate Change on the Spatio-Temporal Variation in Groundwater Storage in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area

“…Groundwater extraction potential is influenced by geological conditions, land use, topographic density, drainage density, slope, soil type, rainfall, elevation, and groundwater table fluctuations [73]. The hydrogeologic structure includes the hydro-lithologic characteristics of aquifers, which affect the variation in the groundwater table [74]. The suitability of groundwater for extraction is also related to groundwater quality, with pollutants from population growth and industrialization increasing the pressure on surface and groundwater [75].…”