Complexity of Groundwater Flow System in a Site Reflected in the Fluctuations of Groundwater Level and Temperature

This study was objected to show the complexity of groundwater flow system in a site-scale area as a design parameter of the groundwater monitoring network for early detection of pollutant leakage from a potential source of groundwater contamination (e.g., storage tank). Around the tanks, three monitoring wells were installed at about 22 similar to 25 m deep and groundwater level and temperature had been monitored for 22 months by 2-minute interval, and then compared with precipitation and temperature data from nearby weather station. Annual variation of groundwater level and its response to precipitation event, variation of groundwater temperature and delayed response to that of atmospheric temperature indicate the complexity of groundwater flow and flow paths even in the relatively small area. Thus, groundwater monitoring network for early detection of contaminant leakage should be designed with full consideration of the complexity of groundwater flow system, identified from the detailed hydrogeological investigation of the site.