1.2.3. Equipotential Lines and Phreatic Surface

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is an equipotential line?

   Hint

   Think about what 'equal head' means in a physical sense.

2. 2.

   What does a flow line indicate?

   Hint

   Consider how water moves through your yard.

3. 3.

   What are equipotential lines?

   • Lines of varying flow direction
   • Lines of equal hydraulic head
   • Boundaries of soil types

   Hint

   Think about what it means for multiple points to have the same pressure.

4. 4.

   True or False: Flow lines are perpendicular to equipotential lines.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Visualize how water would move relative to pressure differences.

5. 5.

   Create a flow net for an unconfined aquifer scenario where the top and bottom boundaries are constant hydraulic heads. Describe how you would determine the equipotential lines and flow lines.

   Hint

   Consider the overall hydraulic gradient and how it affects your flow direction.

6. 6.

   In a given area, the phreatic surface was found to be sloping towards a river. Analyze how this impacts the groundwater flowing in that direction and relate it to your flow net.

   Hint

   Visualize how pressure changes when heading towards a lower area, such as the river.