EAS100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Regolith, Artesian Aquifer, Hydraulic Head

• School: University of Alberta
• Department: Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
• Course: EAS100
• Professor: Korhan Ayranci

Document Summary

Free water in pore spaces within solid earth. Flow depends on the porosity and permeability of the rock. Chlorides, sulfates, and bicarbonates of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium. Composition of groundwater varies depending on the surrounding rocks. Rises and falls with variations in rainfall and discharge of water. Flows from regions of higher pressure to regions of lower pressure. At a given depth, pressure is higher if water table is higher. Recharge area : water passes from surface into groundwater system. Discharge area : water exits from groundwater into surface water. Unconfined aquifer conduct significant quantities of groundwater. Effect of a cone of depression: contamination of groundwater. Rate of withdrawal exceeds the rate of local groundwater flow. Cone of depression : a well into an unconfined aquifer creates a localized slope in the water table drives flow into the well. Bounded above and below by impermeable rock (aquiclude) Water level rises due to the hydraulic head.