GROUNDWATER FLOW MODELLING WITHIN A COASTAL ALLUVIAL PLAIN SETTING USING A HIGH-RESOLUTION HYDROFACIES APPROACH; BELLS CREEK PLAIN, AUSTRALIA

Abstract

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) has proved to be an extremely useful geophysical tool, in conjunction with direct geological data, to develop a realistic, macroscopic, subjective-based conceptual model of aquifer architecture within a shallow coastal alluvial plain. Subsequent finite-difference groundwater modelling has not only enabled determination of the dominant groundwater flow paths for the plain, but has also quantified the effects of within-facies and between-facies sedimentary heterogeneity on those flow paths. The interconnection of narrow, unconfined alluvial channels and a broad, semi-confined alluvial delta is ensuring that most fresh groundwater that enters the plain in the form of precipitation or recharge from lateral bedrock hills, is discharged into the eastern coastal wetlands via that alluvial delta aquifer.