Saturated Thickness of Aquifer When Coefficient of Storage for Unconfined Aquifer Is Considered Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ B_s = \frac{S'' - S_y}{\left(\frac{\gamma}{1000}\right) \times (\alpha + \eta \times \beta)} \]

Coefficient of Storage for Unconfined Aquifer (S''):

Specific Yield (S_y):

Unit Weight of Fluid (γ):

N/m³

Compressibility (α):

Porosity of Soil (η):

Compressibility of Water (β):

Saturated Thickness of Aquifer (B_s):

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1. What is Saturated Thickness of Aquifer?

Saturated Thickness of Aquifer is the vertical distance between the top of the saturated zone and the base of the aquifer, which is typically defined by an impermeable layer or boundary. It is a critical parameter in hydrogeology for determining the storage capacity and yield of an aquifer.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ B_s = \frac{S'' - S_y}{\left(\frac{\gamma}{1000}\right) \times (\alpha + \eta \times \beta)} \]

Where:

\( B_s \) — Saturated Thickness of Aquifer
\( S'' \) — Coefficient of Storage for Unconfined Aquifer
\( S_y \) — Specific Yield
\( \gamma \) — Unit Weight of Fluid (N/m³)
\( \alpha \) — Compressibility
\( \eta \) — Porosity of Soil
\( \beta \) — Compressibility of Water

Explanation: This formula calculates the saturated thickness by considering the storage characteristics, material properties, and fluid properties of the aquifer system.

3. Importance of Saturated Thickness Calculation

Details: Accurate determination of saturated thickness is crucial for assessing groundwater resources, designing well systems, managing aquifer recharge, and predicting the impacts of pumping on aquifer levels.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all required parameters with appropriate units. Ensure values are positive and within reasonable ranges for geological materials. Porosity should be between 0 and 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between specific yield and coefficient of storage?
A: Specific yield represents the drainable water volume, while coefficient of storage includes both specific yield and elastic storage components in unconfined aquifers.

Q2: How does compressibility affect saturated thickness calculations?
A: Higher compressibility values indicate that the aquifer materials compress more under pressure, which affects the storage characteristics and calculated saturated thickness.

Q3: What are typical values for porosity in different soil types?
A: Sand: 0.25-0.50, Silt: 0.35-0.50, Clay: 0.40-0.70, Gravel: 0.20-0.40. These values vary based on grain size distribution and compaction.

Q4: Why is unit weight divided by 1000 in the formula?
A: The division by 1000 converts the unit weight from N/m³ to kN/m³, ensuring consistent units throughout the calculation.

Q5: When might this calculation give unrealistic results?
A: Results may be unrealistic if input values are outside typical ranges, if specific yield exceeds storage coefficient, or if the denominator approaches zero due to very small compressibility values.