Thickness Of Aquifer Given Discharge In Unconfined Aquifer Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ H = \sqrt{h_w^2 + \frac{Q \cdot \ln\left(\frac{R_w}{r}\right)}{\pi \cdot K_{WH}}} \]

Depth of Water (hw):

Discharge (Q):

m³/s

Radius of Influence (Rw):

Radius of well (r):

Coefficient of Permeability (KWH):

m/s

Thickness of Unconfined Aquifer (H):

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1. What is the Thickness of Unconfined Aquifer?

The Thickness of Unconfined Aquifer is measured from the impermeable layer to the initial level of the water table. It represents the vertical extent of the aquifer that contains groundwater not confined by an overlying impermeable layer.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ H = \sqrt{h_w^2 + \frac{Q \cdot \ln\left(\frac{R_w}{r}\right)}{\pi \cdot K_{WH}}} \]

Where:

\( H \) — Thickness of Unconfined Aquifer (m)
\( h_w \) — Depth of Water in the well measured above the impermeable layer (m)
\( Q \) — Discharge rate (m³/s)
\( R_w \) — Radius of Influence (m)
\( r \) — Radius of well (m)
\( K_{WH} \) — Coefficient of Permeability in Well Hydraulics (m/s)
\( \pi \) — Archimedes' constant (approximately 3.1416)
\( \ln \) — Natural logarithm function

Explanation: This formula calculates the thickness of an unconfined aquifer based on well hydraulics principles, taking into account the discharge rate, well characteristics, and soil permeability.

3. Importance of Aquifer Thickness Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of aquifer thickness is crucial for groundwater resource assessment, well design, and understanding the storage capacity and yield potential of unconfined aquifers.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in appropriate units (meters for lengths, m³/s for discharge, m/s for permeability). Ensure all values are positive and valid for accurate results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is an unconfined aquifer?
A: An unconfined aquifer is a groundwater-bearing formation where the water table forms the upper boundary and is not confined by an impermeable layer.

Q2: How does radius of influence affect the calculation?
A: The radius of influence represents the distance from the well where pumping effects are negligible. A larger radius typically indicates a more extensive aquifer system.

Q3: What is the coefficient of permeability?
A: The coefficient of permeability (KWH) describes how easily water can move through the soil or rock formation, affecting how quickly water can be extracted from the aquifer.

Q4: When is this formula most applicable?
A: This formula is particularly useful for steady-state flow conditions in unconfined aquifers with homogeneous and isotropic properties.

Q5: What are the limitations of this calculation?
A: The calculation assumes ideal conditions and may not account for aquifer heterogeneity, seasonal variations, or complex geological structures.