3.1. Property Descriptions

Try these first

1. 1.

   What are the two main zones of subsurface water?

   Hint

   Think about the distinction between groundwater and what's above it.

2. 2.

   Define porosity in your own words.

   Hint

   Focus on how space impacts water retention.

3. 3.

   What characterizes a confined aquifer?

   • Open to the surface
   • Bounded by impermeable layers
   • Above the water table

   Hint

   Focus on what separates confined from unconfined.

4. 4.

   True or False: The capillary fringe holds all soil pores filled with water.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the definitions of the zones.

5. 5.

   Given data from an aquifer test where a well was pumped and the drawdown recorded, calculate the transmissivity if drawdown is noted to stabilize in a certain period.

   Hint

   Refer back to your notes on aquifer testing methods.

6. 6.

   Discuss how the characteristics of the geological formations affect the choice of the aquifer type when designing a water supply system.

   Hint

   Think about how consolidated and unconsolidated materials differ.