Formula Used:
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The Maximum Rate of Discharge from S-Curve, also known as Equilibrium Discharge, represents the steady flow rate that a well can sustain from an aquifer over an extended period without causing significant drawdown or depletion of the aquifer.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the maximum sustainable discharge rate based on the catchment area and duration of excess rainfall, which is crucial for hydrological analysis and water resource management.
Details: Accurate calculation of equilibrium discharge is essential for designing water supply systems, managing groundwater resources, and assessing the sustainable yield of aquifers without causing long-term depletion.
Tips: Enter the area of catchment in square meters and duration of excess rainfall in seconds. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What is the significance of the constant 2.778 in the formula?
A: The constant 2.778 is a conversion factor that accounts for unit conversions between area, time, and discharge measurements in the hydrological context.
Q2: How does catchment area affect the equilibrium discharge?
A: Larger catchment areas typically result in higher equilibrium discharge rates, as there's more surface area contributing to water collection and discharge.
Q3: What is the relationship between rainfall duration and discharge rate?
A: Longer duration of excess rainfall generally leads to lower maximum discharge rates, as the water is distributed over a longer time period.
Q4: Can this formula be used for all types of aquifers?
A: While the formula provides a general estimation, specific aquifer characteristics such as permeability, storage capacity, and boundary conditions should be considered for precise calculations.
Q5: What are typical units for equilibrium discharge?
A: Equilibrium discharge is typically measured in cubic meters per second (m³/s) in the metric system, or cubic feet per second (cfs) in imperial units.