The rate
of flow (Q) for groundwater between two points is proportional
to the change in elevation between the points (h), the distance between
the points (l), and the hydraulic conductivity of the material the water
flows through (K). Hydraulic conductivity is determined by the permeability
of the material, the viscosity of the groundwater and gravity. As the
latter two components show little variation hydraulic conductivity is
may be approximated by permeability.
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| Wells in both diagrams are separated
by equal distances but the change in the elevation (h) of
the groundwater (blue) in each diagram is different. Darcy's
law predicts that groundwater flow will be greater in the
left example if all other factors are equal. Q = discharge;
K = hydraulic conductivity; A = area; h/l = hydraulic gradient. |
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