Speaker
Description
Wetlands are ecologically sensitive environments where groundwater plays a vital role in sustaining hydrological balance, water quality, and ecosystem functions. Characterizing groundwater flow in wetland aquifers is challenging due to heterogeneous lithology, fluctuating water levels, and variable hydraulic properties. This study investigates groundwater flow dynamics within a wetland system covering Aviara, Uzere, Ibedeni, and Aboh in Delta State, Nigeria using a three-dimensional numerical modeling approach. A conceptual hydrogeologic model was developed from lithologic logs, hydraulic parameters, and measured groundwater levels. The model domain was discretized into multiple layers to represent vertical and lateral variations in aquifer geometry, and boundary conditions were defined to simulate natural recharge and discharge processes. Steady-state groundwater flow simulations were conducted using the MODFLOW code to evaluate hydraulic head distribution and groundwater flow paths. Results show that groundwater predominantly flows from high-head recharge areas toward lower-head wetland zones, particularly toward Wells 5–9, 1–4, and 12. Simulated groundwater flow rates range from −0.0064 m/day to 0.00692 m/day. Regional flow directions are mainly from Aviara toward Idheze and from Uzere toward Aboh, while localized flow reversals occur between Idheze–Ivrogbo and Aboh–Ibedeni. These patterns highlight significant spatial variability in groundwater movement and enable effective delineation of recharge and discharge zones within the wetland aquifer system. Overall, the study demonstrates the applicability of three-dimensional MODFLOW modeling for characterizing complex wetland hydrogeology and provides a scientific framework to support sustainable groundwater and wetland resource management.
| Keyword-1 | Aquifer systems |
|---|---|
| Keyword-2 | Groundwater flow modelling |
| Keyword-3 | Hydraulic head distributions |