Influence of water recharge on heat transfer in a semi-infinite aquifer

A simple model is proposed for the temperature field within an unconfined semi-infinite thick aquifer, with groundwater flowing parallel to the terrestrial heat flow in the recharge zone, and perpendicular to heat flow in the other parts of the aquifer. The results enable evaluation of the extent of the influence of the recharge zone, once the thermal and hydrological parameters are known. Beyond this zone, where thermal equilibrium between water and rock is reached, water temperature reaches the constant highest value, and water movement cannot be revealed by temperature measurements. Moreover, on the basis of the range of influence of the recharge zone, the regional water pore velocity can be inferred. © 1997 CNR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.