1. What is the Aquifer Thickness Formula?

The aquifer thickness formula calculates the vertical thickness of a hydrogeologically defined aquifer where pore spaces are saturated with water. It is derived from drawdown measurements and water depth observations in wells.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( b \) — Thickness of Aquifer 1 (m)
• \( s_t \) — Total Drawdown in Well (m)
• \( h_w \) — Depth of Water measured above the impermeable layer (m)

Explanation: This formula combines the drawdown measurement (reduction in hydraulic head) with the depth of water to determine the total saturated thickness of the aquifer.

3. Importance of Aquifer Thickness Calculation

Details: Accurate aquifer thickness calculation is crucial for groundwater resource assessment, well design, pumping test analysis, and understanding aquifer storage capacity and transmissivity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total drawdown in meters, depth of water in meters. Both values must be valid non-negative numbers representing physical measurements.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is drawdown in well hydrology?
A: Drawdown is the reduction in hydraulic head observed at a well, typically due to pumping during aquifer tests or well operations.

Q2: How is depth of water measured?
A: Depth of water is measured from the water surface to the top of the impermeable layer beneath the aquifer.

Q3: When should this calculation be used?
A: This calculation is particularly useful during pumping tests and aquifer characterization studies to determine the saturated thickness of confined aquifers.

Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: This formula provides a simplified approach and may need adjustments for complex aquifer systems, unconfined aquifers, or cases with significant vertical heterogeneity.

Q5: What units should be used for inputs?
A: Both drawdown and water depth should be measured in consistent units (typically meters) for accurate results.