Formula Used:
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The radial distance calculation determines the distance from a well where the water table reaches a specific level, based on soil permeability, water depths, and discharge rate. This is essential in hydrogeology for well field design and groundwater management.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how the radial distance changes based on the difference in water depths, soil permeability, and discharge rate.
Details: Accurate radial distance calculation is crucial for determining well interference, designing well spacing, and managing groundwater resources effectively.
Tips: Enter all values in appropriate units (meters for distances, m/s for permeability, m³/s for discharge). All values must be positive and non-zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is the significance of the exponential function in this formula?
A: The exponential function accounts for the non-linear relationship between radial distance and the ratio of permeability times head difference to discharge.
Q2: How does soil permeability affect the radial distance?
A: Higher permeability allows water to move more easily through the soil, resulting in a larger radial distance for the same discharge and head difference.
Q3: What are typical values for soil permeability coefficients?
A: Permeability coefficients vary widely: clay (10⁻⁸ to 10⁻¹⁰ m/s), sand (10⁻³ to 10⁻⁶ m/s), gravel (10⁻¹ to 10⁻³ m/s).
Q4: When is this calculation most applicable?
A: This calculation is most applicable for confined aquifers with steady-state flow conditions and homogeneous, isotropic soil properties.
Q5: What are the limitations of this approach?
A: The formula assumes ideal conditions and may not account for aquifer heterogeneity, transient flow conditions, or boundary effects.