Danesfaraz, RasoulKaya, Birol2015-04-082015-04-082009Journal of Science and Technology 3 (2), 2009, 229 – 2401307-3818Transfer matrix method is applied to one dimensional initial value problems. The use of this method in hydraulic engineering is not widespread and only limited studies are available. The method is applied to one dimensional groundwater flow problems for the first time. In this study, a new approach via transfer matrix method has been presented for the solution of one dimensional groundwater flow representing parabolic type partial differential equation. A confined aquifer of constant or varying boundary conditions is selected as on illustrative example. The problem was solved for heterogeneous soil. Finite element method, finite difference method and transfer matrix methods proposed in this study were utilized for numerical solution. The outcomes of the three methods are compared. Regarding to the outcomes of the transfer matrix method, it can be revealed that the model is quite easily programmable and the solution obtained is seldom divergent.enGroundwater hydraulicsTransfer matrixConfined aquifersUnsteady flowParabolic differential equationArticle