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(confined), where S=S s b is the aquifer storativity and = +. (unconfined), where S y is the specific yield of the aquifer. Note that the partial differential equation in the unconfined case is non-linear, whereas it is linear in the confined case. For unconfined steady-state flow, this non-linearity may be removed by expressing the PDE in ...
For a confined aquifer or aquitard, storativity is the vertically integrated specific storage value. Specific storage is the volume of water released from one unit volume of the aquifer under one unit decline in head. This is related to both the compressibility of the aquifer and the compressibility of the water itself.
The above figures simulate possible coastal aquifers. In reality, it is complex. Due to complex geology - non-uniform rock layers and weathering, both confined and unconfined aquifers can be found within a coast. It is possible to have multiple confined aquifers at the bottom and an unconfined aquifers at the top of a coast.
Hence the actual amount of water that can be extracted from the unit volume of aquifer by pumping or under the action of gravity is called as specific yield. The fraction of water held back in the aquifer is known as specific retention. Thus it can be said that porosity is the sum of specific yield and specific retention.
Groundwater discharge is the volumetric flow rate of groundwater through an aquifer. Total groundwater discharge, as reported through a specified area, is similarly expressed as: = where Q is the total groundwater discharge ([L 3 ·T −1]; m 3 /s), K is the hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer ([L·T −1]; m/s),
An aquifer is called semi-confined when a saturated layer with a relatively small horizontal hydraulic conductivity (the semi-confining layer or aquitard) overlies a layer with a relatively high horizontal hydraulic conductivity so that the flow of groundwater in the first layer is mainly vertical and in the second layer mainly horizontal.
The groundwater flow may be through either confined or phreatic aquifers, with smaller flow systems overlying or within. The residence time generally ranges from several decades to many centuries, implying the establishment of a complete chemical equilibrium with the aquifer. Mapping scales are between 1:250,000 and 1:2,000,000.
In a confined aquifer, the upper surface of water is overlain by a layer of impervious rock, so the groundwater is stored under pressure. [ 2 ] Aquifers receive water through two ways, one from precipitation that flows through the unsaturated zone of the soil profile, and two from lakes and rivers. [ 2 ]