Determining 3D capture zones in homogeneous, anisotropic aquifers

A method is presented for determining steady-state capture zones in three dimensions around horizontal drains and vertical wells in homogeneous, anisotropic aquifers in a uniform flow field. Equations are presented for determining drawdown and velocity vector components in three dimensions around drains and wells. Using these equations, a second-order Runge-Kutta particle tracking algorithm is applied to trace streamlines in three dimensions. By tracking a large number of particles, it is possible to determine areas where capture occurs and areas where particles escape capture. The resulting 3D capture zones are diagrammed as both 2D (section view) plots and 3D plots