SIMULATION OF REGIONAL GROUND WATER FLOW IN BEDROCK, SOUTHWESTERN NEW YORK‐NORTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

ABSTRACT: This paper presents the results of steady‐state three‐dimensional computer simulations to determine the hydrogeologic setting of formation water in the hydrocarbon producing formations of southwestern New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. Recharge areas for the regional ground water flow systems in the study area are the Valley Heads Moraine and Allegheny uplands; discharge areas are Lakes Erie and Ontario to the north and the northern margin of the Appalachian basin to the south. Simulated ground water flow in all model layers moves north from the ground water divide on the Valley Heads Moraine towards Lake Erie at a rate from 10⁻‐⁶ to 10⁻‐³ ft/day. South of the divide intermediate‐scale and local‐scale flow systems occur in the upper 4000 feet of the stratigraphic section and the directions of ground water flow diverge towards major rivers and other topographically low areas.