Abstract: The aquifer’s parameters determination is an important basis for groundwater resources evaluation, numerical simulation, development and protection as well as scientific management. Pumping test is a main oftenused method to determine aquifer’s parameters. A new method, called whole curve matching method (WCMM), is presented to determine confined or unconfined aquifer’s parameters by using optimum theory together with computer technology on the basis of theis equation for the pumping test. Fully considering the measured data during the period of rapid and slowly decline of groundwater level and the period of water level recovery in pumping test, this method makes the sum of squares of errors between the measured water level and calculated water level minimum and the calculated water level hydrograph best match the measured water level hydrograph. A case study shows that this method has rapid speed and high accuracy and the results of parameter’s determination are optimized. This method can be used for both confined aquifer and for unconfined aquifer and it has important practical value for scientific research and engineering practice.

Key words: whole curve matching method(WCMM), pumping test, aquifer, aquifer’s parameter, Theis equation