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Equivalent Permeability refers to the overall permeability of an aquifer system when flow is parallel to stratification. It represents the ability of groundwater to flow through the entire aquifer thickness.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the equivalent permeability by dividing the transmissivity (the aquifer's ability to transmit water) by the aquifer thickness.
Details: Calculating equivalent permeability is crucial for groundwater flow modeling, aquifer characterization, and designing effective groundwater extraction systems. It helps in understanding the hydraulic properties of stratified aquifers.
Tips: Enter transmissivity in m²/s and aquifer thickness in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is the difference between permeability and transmissivity?
A: Permeability is a property of the porous material itself, while transmissivity incorporates both permeability and aquifer thickness to describe the overall transmission capacity.
Q2: When is equivalent permeability used?
A: Equivalent permeability is particularly useful when dealing with stratified aquifers where flow occurs parallel to the bedding planes.
Q3: What are typical values for equivalent permeability?
A: Values vary widely depending on aquifer material, ranging from 10⁻¹² m/s for clay to 10⁻² m/s for gravel.
Q4: How does aquifer thickness affect equivalent permeability?
A: For a given transmissivity, thicker aquifers will have lower equivalent permeability values, indicating less permeable material overall.
Q5: Can this formula be used for anisotropic aquifers?
A: This simple formula applies specifically to flow parallel to stratification in horizontally layered aquifers.