34.5. Storage Properties of Aquifers

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define specific yield in your own words.

   Hint

   Think about how gravity pulls water down.

2. 2.

   What does specific retention refer to?

   Hint

   Consider what might keep water from flowing out.

3. 3.

   What is specific yield?

   • The total water content of an aquifer
   • The water volume that drains due to gravity
   • The water retained against gravity

   Hint

   Think about what happens when you pour water out of a cup.

4. 4.

   True or False: Specific retention refers to water that leaves the aquifer.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the forces that keep water inside the porous material.

5. 5.

   Calculate the specific yield if a 100-cubic meter aquifer drains 25 cubic meters of water.

   Hint

   Use the formula for specific yield based on volumes.

6. 6.

   Discuss the effect of increasing specific retention on agricultural planning in a drought-prone area.

   Hint

   Consider drought impacts on both soil and groundwater.