Saturated Thickness Of Aquifer When Steady Flow Of Unconfined Aquifer Is Considered Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ H = \sqrt{\frac{Q_u \cdot \ln\left(\frac{r}{R_w}\right)}{\pi \cdot K} + h_w^2} \]

Steady Flow of an Unconfined Aquifer (Qu):

m³/s

Radius at the Edge of Zone of Influence (r):

Radius of the Pumping Well (Rw):

Coefficient of Permeability (K):

m/s

Depth of Water in the Pumping Well (hw):

Saturated Thickness of the Aquifer (H):

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1. What is the Saturated Thickness of Aquifer?

The Saturated Thickness of the Aquifer refers to the vertical height of the aquifer in which the pore spaces are completely filled with water. It is a crucial parameter in hydrogeology that determines the water storage capacity and flow characteristics of an unconfined aquifer.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ H = \sqrt{\frac{Q_u \cdot \ln\left(\frac{r}{R_w}\right)}{\pi \cdot K} + h_w^2} \]

Where:

\( H \) — Saturated Thickness of the Aquifer (m)
\( Q_u \) — Steady Flow of an Unconfined Aquifer (m³/s)
\( r \) — Radius at the Edge of Zone of Influence (m)
\( R_w \) — Radius of the Pumping Well (m)
\( K \) — Coefficient of Permeability (m/s)
\( h_w \) — Depth of Water in the Pumping Well (m)
\( \pi \) — Archimedes' constant (approximately 3.1416)
\( \ln \) — Natural logarithm function

Explanation: This formula calculates the saturated thickness of an unconfined aquifer under steady-state flow conditions, considering the pumping rate, aquifer properties, and well characteristics.

3. Importance of Saturated Thickness Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of saturated thickness is essential for groundwater resource assessment, well design, pumping test analysis, and sustainable water management. It helps determine the available water storage and the aquifer's response to pumping.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in appropriate units (meters for lengths, m³/s for flow rate, m/s for permeability). Ensure that all input values are positive and physically meaningful (r > Rw, K > 0, etc.).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is an unconfined aquifer?
A: An unconfined aquifer is one where the water table forms the upper boundary, and it's in direct contact with the atmosphere through open pore spaces.

Q2: How does the radius ratio affect the calculation?
A: The natural logarithm of the radius ratio (r/Rw) accounts for the radial flow pattern around the pumping well, with larger ratios indicating more extensive influence zones.

Q3: What is the coefficient of permeability?
A: The coefficient of permeability (hydraulic conductivity) describes how easily water can move through the soil or rock material of the aquifer.

Q4: When is this formula applicable?
A: This formula applies to steady-state flow conditions in homogeneous, isotropic unconfined aquifers with fully penetrating wells.

Q5: What are typical values for these parameters?
A: Permeability typically ranges from 10⁻² to 10⁻⁹ m/s, well radii are usually 0.1-0.5 m, and influence radii can range from 10 to 1000+ meters depending on aquifer properties.