In 1963, Toth published his well-known work on groundwater systems. What are the advances in terms of hydrogeology theory after Darcy, Theis, et etc. Is it as simple as a revision of the concept from groundwater systems to groundwater FLOW systems?
Dear Zhonghe Pang,
I think you can turn to the original source to Mr Tóth directly, [email protected]. I hope he is still active.
Best regards, Janos Viszkoki
Thanks Janos, in fact, I know Prof Toth very well. I intended to raise the question for people to comment so we may come to a better understanding of the significance of his theory.
I figure that this theory triggers some research on the law of regional groundwater flow though it is really difficult especially in groudwater systems where the natural flow field has changed a lot due to human activites .
I suggest you to explore the website (see link below). IAH’s Regional Groundwater Flow Commission (RGFC) focuses on question very similar to yours. It also is on LinkedIn, and proposes scientific events now and then. Moreover, J. Toth is its "Lifetime Honorary Chair".
https://regionalgwflow.iah.org/
Hello Zhonghe:
I think that the advances must be done by trying to understand real (and sometime very complex) groundwater systems, where the flow is not in a homogeneous isotropic media i.e. faults, stratification, etc. A good flow model must try to understand not only the flow systems but the interaction between groundwater systems (differentiated by Hydrogeochemical variables, different temperatures, etc.)
Dear Dr. Zhonghe Pang:
I just finished a short essay attempting to give a concise, summary answer to the very question that you are asking, namely: "What are the advances (due to Tóth's 1963 paper) in terms of hydrogeology theory after Darcy, Theis, et etc." I submitted the manuscript to an international journal so recently that I have not even heard back from the Editor, let alone knowing if it'll be accepted. Trusting that I am not breaking any international rule of publication by releasing the gist of the message even if it should be accepted, I copy the essay's Abstract verbatim below:
The evolutionary concepts and practical utilization of the Tóthian Theory of Regional Groundwater Flow
ABSTRACT
This is the last progress report on a lifelong research project from its begetter: the theory of gravity driven basin-scale groundwater flow. An attempt is made here to summarize the history and to highlight the major constituting concepts, properties and applications of the Tóthian Theory of Regional Groundwater Flow from its conception (Tóth, 1962a, 1963) to the mid 2010s.
Regional, or basinal, groundwater flow is defined here as “the gravity-driven cross-formational motion of groundwater at spatial and temporal scales that are commensurate with dimensions of the natural topographic relief and with the human and geologic time spans, respectively. The general “umbrella” theory is made up of two component sub-theories, namely: 1) "The Hydraulics of Basin-Scale Groundwater Flow and 2) "The Geologic Agency of Basin-Scale Groundwater Flow".
The subject matter of “Sub-Theory-1” is the spatial pattern and dynamic intensity of groundwater flow in topographically defined drainage basins. Based both on theoretical calculations and empirical observations, this flow is found to be organized into cross-formational flow systems driven by elevation differences in the water table through a hydraulically continuous rock framework. Owing to the flow domain’s hydraulic continuity flow systems develop ubiquitously and simultaneously throughout the entire porous portion of the Earth’s upper crust. “Sub-Theory-2”deals with the processes, products and manifestations of the interaction between moving groundwater and its natural environment at and beneath the land surface.
The theory has resulted in a paradigm shift in hydrogeology. The paradigm of basinal groundwater hydraulics has changed from the classical perception of "confined, or artesian, aquifers" (pipe flow from outcrops to outcrops” in highly permeable strata between impermeable boundaries) to the modern understanding of “regionally unconfined cross-formational flow systems" (from recharge areas to discharge areas). As a consequence, regional groundwater flow has been recognized as a unique and general geologic agent in the subsurface.
Key words: groundwater flow, basin-scale, gravity driven, theory, applications, geologic agency, history.
Dear Prof.Toth, It is very kind of you to share with us your very fresh ideads. I have recently been re-invited to join the Erdos groundwater project in China and this task has made me turining back time after time to the concept of regional groundwater flow systems. Similar questions have also been rasied when teaching the postgraduate course "Hydrogeology". I have the feeling that the siginificance of the theory has not been fully realized or understood in the Hydrogeological community.
Best regards.
Zhonghe
Thanks, friends, for your responses to my question. I would like to share with you more of my understanding of the subject.
I think that the Thothian theory highlighted the significance of gravity in groundwater circulation. This is a major step forward in groundwater circulation studies. How the external driving force is shaping the internal framework,structure and processes inside the groundwater systems, is not a problem that was solved before Thot.
In the history of groundwater science, there has been a progressing track record from understanding of aquifer geometry, to water movement (Darcy's law) and finally to its dynamics (driving force) of circulation at larger (basin) scales.
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