Discharge Per Unit Width Of Aquifers Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ q = \frac{(h_o - h_1)}{L_{stream}} \times k \times b \]

Piezometric Head at Upstream End (hₒ):

Piezometric Head at Downstream End (h₁):

Length between Upstream and Downstream (L):

Coefficient of Permeability (k):

m/s

Aquifer Thickness (b):

Discharge per Unit Width of Aquifer (q):

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1. What is Discharge Per Unit Width Of Aquifers?

Discharge per unit width of aquifer refers to the rate of total discharge in the channel to the width considered. It is a fundamental parameter in groundwater hydrology that helps quantify the flow of water through porous media.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ q = \frac{(h_o - h_1)}{L_{stream}} \times k \times b \]

Where:

\( q \) — Discharge per unit width of aquifer (m³/s)
\( h_o \) — Piezometric head at upstream end (m)
\( h_1 \) — Piezometric head at downstream end (m)
\( L_{stream} \) — Length between upstream and downstream (m)
\( k \) — Coefficient of permeability (m/s)
\( b \) — Aquifer thickness (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates the discharge per unit width based on the hydraulic gradient and the properties of the aquifer material.

3. Importance of Discharge Calculation

Details: Accurate discharge calculation is crucial for groundwater resource management, contaminant transport studies, and designing effective remediation strategies for contaminated aquifers.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in appropriate units. Piezometric heads and length should be in meters, coefficient of permeability in m/s, and aquifer thickness in meters. All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the coefficient of permeability?
A: The coefficient of permeability (also called hydraulic conductivity) refers to the rate of flow of water under laminar flow conditions through a unit cross-sectional area of a porous medium under a unit hydraulic gradient.

Q2: How is piezometric head measured?
A: Piezometric head is measured using piezometers or observation wells that measure the pressure head of groundwater at a specific location.

Q3: What factors affect aquifer thickness?
A: Aquifer thickness is determined by geological formations and can vary spatially. It represents the vertical distance between the top and bottom boundaries of an aquifer.

Q4: When is this formula applicable?
A: This formula applies to steady-state flow in confined aquifers with uniform properties and under Darcian flow conditions.

Q5: What are typical values for coefficient of permeability?
A: Permeability values range from 10⁻² m/s for gravel to 10⁻⁹ m/s for clay, depending on the porous medium material.