Aquifer Thickness Given Confined Aquifer Discharge Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ Aquifer\ Thickness = \frac{Discharge}{\left(\frac{2 \times \pi \times Coefficient\ of\ Permeability \times Total\ Drawdown}{\ln\left(\frac{Radius\ of\ Influence}{Radius\ of\ well}\right)}\right)} \]

Discharge (Q):

m³/s

Coefficient of Permeability (K):

m/s

Total Drawdown (st):

Radius of Influence (Rw):

Radius of Well (r):

Aquifer Thickness (bw):

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1. What is Aquifer Thickness Calculation?

The Aquifer Thickness calculation determines the thickness of a confined aquifer based on pumping test data. It's an essential parameter in groundwater hydrology for understanding aquifer characteristics and sustainable water resource management.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

Discharge (Q) - Rate of flow of water (m³/s)
Coefficient of Permeability (K) - Soil permeability (m/s)
Total Drawdown (st) - Reduction in hydraulic head (m)
Radius of Influence (Rw) - Distance to unaffected water table (m)
Radius of well (r) - Well radius (m)
π - Mathematical constant (3.14159)
ln - Natural logarithm function

Explanation: This formula calculates aquifer thickness using the principle of confined aquifer flow, considering the logarithmic relationship between drawdown and radial distance from the well.

3. Importance of Aquifer Thickness Calculation

Details: Accurate aquifer thickness determination is crucial for groundwater modeling, well field design, sustainable yield estimation, and contamination studies. It helps in understanding the storage capacity and transmissivity of confined aquifers.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in appropriate units. Ensure discharge, permeability, drawdown, and radii are positive values. The radius of influence must be greater than the well radius for valid calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a confined aquifer?
A: A confined aquifer is bounded above and below by impermeable layers, creating artesian conditions where water is under pressure.

Q2: How is coefficient of permeability determined?
A: Permeability is typically determined through pumping tests, laboratory tests, or estimated from soil type characteristics.

Q3: What affects the radius of influence?
A: Pumping rate, aquifer properties, duration of pumping, and boundary conditions affect the radius of influence.

Q4: When is this calculation most accurate?
A: This calculation works best for homogeneous, isotropic confined aquifers with fully penetrating wells and steady-state conditions.

Q5: What are typical aquifer thickness values?
A: Aquifer thickness can range from a few meters to hundreds of meters, depending on geological formations and regional hydrogeology.