Aquifer Thickness Given Discharge By Spherical Flow With Base 10 Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ Aquifer\ Thickness = 2.3 \times \left( \frac{Radius\ of\ Well}{Discharge\ by\ Spherical\ Flow / Discharge} \right) \times \log_{10} \left( \frac{Radius\ of\ Influence}{Radius\ of\ Well} \right) \]

Radius of Well:

Discharge by Spherical Flow:

m³/s

Discharge:

m³/s

Radius of Influence:

Aquifer Thickness:

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1. What is Aquifer Thickness Calculation?

The Aquifer Thickness calculation determines the thickness of an aquifer using spherical flow discharge parameters. This calculation is essential in hydrogeology for understanding aquifer characteristics and groundwater flow behavior.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ Aquifer\ Thickness = 2.3 \times \left( \frac{Radius\ of\ Well}{Discharge\ by\ Spherical\ Flow / Discharge} \right) \times \log_{10} \left( \frac{Radius\ of\ Influence}{Radius\ of\ Well} \right) \]

Where:

Radius of Well — Distance from center of well to its outer boundary (m)
Discharge by Spherical Flow — Discharge for spherical flow in well (m³/s)
Discharge — Rate of flow of a liquid (m³/s)
Radius of Influence — Distance from center of well to where drawdown curve meets original water table (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates aquifer thickness based on well geometry and discharge characteristics using logarithmic relationships.

3. Importance of Aquifer Thickness Calculation

Details: Accurate aquifer thickness determination is crucial for groundwater resource assessment, well design, and predicting aquifer behavior under various extraction scenarios.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in appropriate units (meters for distances, m³/s for discharge rates). Ensure all values are positive and radius of influence is greater than radius of well.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is spherical flow in well hydraulics?
A: Spherical flow occurs when groundwater flows radially toward a well in three dimensions, typically in partially penetrating wells or wells with screen intervals.

Q2: Why use base 10 logarithm in this formula?
A: The base 10 logarithm is used in this specific formulation of the aquifer thickness calculation derived from empirical relationships in hydrogeology.

Q3: What are typical values for radius of influence?
A: Radius of influence typically ranges from 100 to 1000 meters, depending on aquifer properties, pumping rate, and duration of pumping.

Q4: How does aquifer thickness affect well performance?
A: Greater aquifer thickness generally allows for higher sustainable yields and reduces drawdown effects during pumping.

Q5: Are there limitations to this calculation method?
A: This method assumes ideal conditions and homogeneous aquifer properties. Real-world applications may require adjustments for anisotropic conditions and boundary effects.