Series solutions for saturated–unsaturated flow in multi-layer unconfined aquifers

A semi-analytical mesh-free series solution method is presented for modeling regional steady-state subsurface saturated–unsaturated flow in 2-D geometrically complex homogenous and stratified hill-slope cross sections. Continuous solutions for pressure in the saturated and unsaturated zone are determined iteratively, as is the location of the water table surface. Mass balance is satisfied exactly over the entire domain except along boundaries and interfaces between layers, where errors are in an acceptable range. The solutions are derived and demonstrated on multiple test cases. The errors for specific cases are assessed and discussed.