34.6.1. Hydraulic Conductivity (K)

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does hydraulic conductivity measure?

   Hint

   Think about what K stands for in the context of water movement.

2. 2.

   Name one factor that affects hydraulic conductivity.

   Hint

   Consider what features of the aquifer allow water to move.

3. 3.

   What is hydraulic conductivity?

   • A measure of water flow through an aquifer
   • The total water in an aquifer
   • A type of aquifer material

   Hint

   Consider what K signifies in hydrogeology.

4. 4.

   True or False: Hydraulic conductivity is only dependent on the type of fluid, not the soil material.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about both factors involved.

5. 5.

   An unconfined aquifer has a hydraulic conductivity of 15 m/day. If a well is drilled and water is drawn down, how long will it take for the water level to drop by 30 meters assuming no recharge occurs?

   Hint

   Use the formula time = distance / rate.

6. 6.

   A soil sample shows that the pore diameter averages 0.5 mm. If you replace the soil with another having a pore diameter of 2 mm, what would you predict about the hydraulic conductivity?

   Hint

   Remember the effect of pore size on flow rate.