From the dimensionless governing equations obtained through an adequate
selection of dependent and independent dimensionless variables, and the
use of spatial discrimination, the dimensionless groups that govern the
solution patterns of the heat transfer problem in aquifers with
horizontal flow velocity are determined. As a boundary condition on the
surface, the cases of constant and harmonic temperature are studied. The
emergence of a characteristic length that, in its dimensionless form,
depends on the deduced groups, allows the direct determination of the
water flow from experimental measurements of the temperature profiles in
the classical form of the inverse problem.