Some analytical solutions of the linearized Boussinesq equation with recharge for a sloping aquifer

Abstract

Subsurface flow from a hillslope can be described by the hydraulic groundwater theory as formulated by the Boussinesq equation. Several attempts have been made to solve this partial differential equation, and exact solutions have been found for specific situations. In the case of a sloping aquifer, Brutsaert [1994] suggested linearizing the equation to calculate the unit response of the hillslope. In this paper we first apply the work of Brutsaert by assuming a constant recharge to the groundwater table. The solution describes the groundwater table levels and the outflow in function of time. Then, an analytical expression is derived for the steady state solution by allowing time to approach infinity. This steady state water table is used as an initial condition to derive another analytical solution of the Boussinesq equation. This can then be used in a quasi steady state approach to compute outflow under changing recharge conditions.