Comparing the hydraulic properties under different flow direction in a heterogeneous field

A heterogeneous field is usually referred to an aquifer composed of several soil types in hydrology or hydrogeology. Every heterogeneous field has its own unique properties. The way to interpret the heterogeneous field properties depends on hydraulic test and in situ situation for the most part, however, the outcome might be somehow ambiguous. There are several concerns, such as groundwater flow direction, components of the field etc., when defining hydraulic properties, such as transmissivity and storativity. How to determine the suitable hydraulic properties derived from pumping test? How to find the proper and representative hydraulic properties in real practice? In this study we try to discuss the characteristics of a heterogeneous field, and show how much the structure of an aquifer and the groundwater flow direction affect the hydraulic parameters derived from pumping test, and then compare the hydraulic properties in each simulation case. VSAFT2 is used as a simulation tool to imitate the real situation; Theis' non-equilibrium pumping test method is the analysis basis. We will calculate transmissivities under different flow directions and show what we're used to have in the traditional pumping test, then try to define the representative transmissivities in a heterogeneous field. Keywords: heterogeneity, pumping test, solute transport finite element model (VSAFT2)