1. Principles of flow
- Author
-
Charles R. Fitts
- Subjects
Constant linear velocity ,Geography ,Groundwater flow ,Hydraulic conductivity ,Flow (mathematics) ,Vadose zone ,Groundwater flow equation ,Geotechnical engineering ,Anisotropy ,Grain size - Abstract
This chapter covers the principles of groundwater flow. It begins with defining hydraulic conductivity and Darcy's Law for one-dimensional flow, and then generalizes to three dimensional flow. The concepts of specific discharge, average linear velocity, and intrinsic permeability are introduced. Heterogeneity and anisotropy in hydraulic conductivity fields are discussed along with methods for assigning bulk average conductivities. A range of methods for measuring or estimating hydraulic conductivity are discussed, including grain size correlations, lab tests, field tests, tracer tests, and models. Sections near the end of the chapter deal with flow in individual fractures in fractured rock, flow in the unsaturated zone, and groundwater flow with variable density water. Coastal fresh–salt interface flow is discussed and the Ghyben-Herzberg method of estimating interface elevation is covered.
- Published
- 2024
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