1. What is Aquifer Thickness?

Aquifer Thickness (at Midpoint between Equipotential lines) or otherwise is the thickness of aquifer in which the pore spaces of rock forming the aquifer may or may not be with water. It is a crucial parameter in hydrogeology for understanding groundwater flow and storage capacity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( b_w \) — Aquifer Thickness (m)
• \( T \) — Coefficient of Transmissibility (m²/s)
• \( k \) — Coefficient of Permeability (m/s)

Explanation: The aquifer thickness is calculated by dividing the coefficient of transmissibility by the coefficient of permeability. This relationship helps determine the vertical extent of the aquifer that contributes to groundwater flow.

3. Importance of Aquifer Thickness Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of aquifer thickness is essential for groundwater resource assessment, well design, contaminant transport studies, and sustainable water management practices.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the coefficient of transmissibility in m²/s and coefficient of permeability in m/s. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between coefficient of transmissibility and coefficient of permeability?
A: Coefficient of transmissibility (T) represents the rate of flow through the entire aquifer thickness, while coefficient of permeability (k) describes the ease with which water moves through the soil or rock material itself.

Q2: What are typical values for aquifer thickness?
A: Aquifer thickness can vary significantly, from a few meters in confined aquifers to hundreds of meters in extensive aquifer systems, depending on geological formations.

Q3: How is coefficient of transmissibility measured in practice?
A: It is typically determined through pumping tests where water is extracted from a well and the drawdown is measured in observation wells over time.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation method?
A: This formula assumes homogeneous and isotropic aquifer conditions. In heterogeneous aquifers, more complex modeling approaches may be necessary.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for both confined and unconfined aquifers?
A: While the basic relationship holds, specific considerations for aquifer type (confined vs unconfined) should be taken into account for precise hydrogeological assessments.