Formula Used:
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The radial distance formula calculates the distance from an observation well to a pumping well in hydrogeology. It's essential for determining aquifer characteristics and understanding groundwater flow patterns around extraction points.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the radial distance at one observation well based on measurements from another observation well, accounting for aquifer properties and pumping effects.
Details: Accurate radial distance calculations are crucial for determining the zone of influence of pumping wells, designing well fields, and assessing potential interference between extraction points in aquifer systems.
Tips: Enter all values in consistent units (meters for distances, m³/s for discharge). Ensure drawdown measurements are taken at the same time for both observation wells for accurate results.
Q1: What is the aquifer constant (T)?
A: The aquifer constant, or coefficient of transmissibility, represents the rate at which water is transmitted through a unit width of aquifer under a unit hydraulic gradient.
Q2: Why is the 2.72 factor used in the formula?
A: The factor 2.72 comes from the conversion between natural logarithms and base-10 logarithms used in the derivation of the formula (2.72 ≈ 1/ln(10)).
Q3: What are typical ranges for radial distances in well testing?
A: Radial distances typically range from a few meters to several hundred meters, depending on aquifer properties, pumping rate, and duration of pumping.
Q4: How does drawdown difference affect the calculation?
A: A larger difference in drawdown between the two observation wells results in a more significant adjustment to the radial distance calculation.
Q5: When is this formula most applicable?
A: This formula is most applicable in confined aquifers where the Theis assumptions hold true, including homogeneous, isotropic aquifer properties and fully penetrating wells.