Visual MODFLOW was used for quantifying stream-aquifer interactions caused by seasonal groundwater pumping. A hypothetical conceptual model was assumed to represent a stream-aquifer system commonly found in Korea. The model considered a two-layered aquifer with the upper alluvium and the lower bedrock and a stream showing seasonal water level fluctuations. Our results show that seasonal variation of the stream depletion rate (SDR) as well as the groundwater depletion depends on the stream depletion factor (SDF), which is determined by aquifer parameters and the distance from the pumping well to the stream. For pumping wells with large SDF, groundwater was considerably depleted for a long time of years and the streamflow decreased throughout the whole year. The impacts of return flow were also examined by recalculating SDR with an assumed ratio of immediate irrigation return flow to the stream. Return flow over 50% of pumping rate could increase the streamflow during the period of seasonal pumping. The model also showed that SDR was affected by both the conductance between the aquifer and the stream bed and screen depths of the pumping well. Our results can be used for preliminary assessment of water budget analysis aimed to plan an integrated management of water resources in riparian areas threatened by heavy pumping.

Keywords: Stream Depletion Rate (SDR);Stream Depletion Factor (SDF);Stream-aquifer interaction;Seasonal pumping;Visual MODFLOW;