Deformation of stream surfaces in steady axisymmetric flow

Stream surfaces are used to examine the arrangement of neighboring streamli nes in steady, divergence-free axisymmetric flow. Expressions are obtained that relate the angle of intersection between stream surfaces with general orientations to the Stokes stream function and to the specific discharge ve ctor. These expressions are used to quantify deformation to the geometry of streamlines and stream surfaces occurring in axisymmetric flow. The Stokes stream function is presented for an isolated inhomogeneity in hydraulic co nductivity with spheroidal geometry. It is shown that axisymmetric flow gen erated by inhomogeneity rearranges the relative position of a streamline wi th respect to neighboring streamlines only locally. In contrast, a persiste nt rearrangement in the orientation and spacing of neighboring streamlines is observed between Large distances upgradient and downgradient from ground water withdrawal. This characterizes all possible rearrangement of neighbor ing streamlines in axisymmetric flow; withdrawal (or production) is require d for a persistent rearrangement to occur.