A finite element formulation for confined aquifer flow, which takes into account elevation changes of the aquifer is presented. The middle surface of the aquifer is assumed not as a horizontal plane but as a curved surface. The theory of isoparametric finite elements is applied to develop a general isoparametric surface element for the problem. The presented technique can, with little additional programming effort, be incorporated into any standard finite element computer program for solving the two-dimensional quasi-harmonic differential equation (i.e. equation governing heat conduction, electric potential, seepage through porous media etc.) A computer program using a four node quadrilateral surface element has been developed. Some results of two examples analyzed using this program are finally established.

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