Groundwater Flow Modelling of Galma Basin, Nigeria： Using Finite Element Method

The groundwater flow characteristics of the Galma River Basin were simulated numerically by using the finite element method. The two-dimensional partial differential equation governing transient flow in an unconfined aquifer was modified to incorporate the effect of precipitation as a measurable source as it affects groundwater flow, such that for a given amount of precipitation over the basin, the flow of groundwater can be predicted at any point in the basin. With appropriate initial and boundary conditions, the modified equation was solved and the solution programmed for computer run. After calibration and verification, the borehole hydraulic data for the basin was used to predict flow due to groundwater hydraulic heads for 20 years. Findings revealed that there is a direct correlation of 0.79 and a strong linear relationship between simulated and observed hydraulic heads, and that data availability and choice of appropriate initial and boundary conditions are significant for good numerical modelling results. The contour plot of the hydraulic heads showed variation of heads from higher values at the upstream to lower values downstream, and groundwater flow follows the natural topography of the land from the upstream end of the basin towards the main streams and Galma River.