The use of derivative analysis and aquifer parameter estimation to refine a conceptual model: A case study approach, Western Cape, South Africa

Abstract

Hydrogeological characterization of an aquifer system is a first step to determine groundwater quantity, yield potential, socio-economic value, storage capacity and aquifer transmissivity properties of an aquifer as a water resource. Derivative analysis is a technique that has been used to understand groundwater flow systems. This is mainly because derivative analysis of pumping test data and curve matching improves the understanding of aquifer types and hydrogeologic setting of a study site. Time vs drawdown curves produced through pumping tests serve as the most useful tools to analyse aquifer characteristics. The study was conducted through performing pumping test in boreholes of hospital facilities in the Western Cape drilled on the TMG and Malmesbury formation.