Construction and interpretation of a hydrogeological data base for the Seoul groundwater system

Abstract

This paper presents a GIS-based study of the urban hydrogeology of the Seoul area. The groundwater relationship between the Han River and adjacent aquifer has been analyzed. Line type fluctuations of groundwater level are decreased along the Han River from Inchun to Chamsil Low Dam. The pumping rate are difficult to extrapolate to the past, since seepage of groundwater into the subway system has increased in recent years, and the amount of increase is unknown. A groundwater flow model is developed to simulate the flow characteristics of groundwater in and around the subway lines. Water-level changes associated with the subway pumping station are estimated. The water budget of the groundwater system in the Seoul area and the movement of groundwater flow are estimated. The amount of groundwater available for use from an aquifer of Seoul area is not supplied from the natural recharge only. The additional sources are expected to be the increase in recharge or leakage from urban activity induced by well development and subway line, along with the reduction in discharge.