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Occurrence of Groundwater PDF
Occurrence of Groundwater PDF
Chapter 2
By: Engr. Lira-Beth R. Coriento M-Eng’g CE 1
Objective
∙ Become knowledgeable of rock properties affecting
groundwater.
∙ Understand the vertical distribution of groundwater.
∙ Identify layers in the zone of aeration and zone of
saturation.
∙ Understand the Geologic formation as aquifers.
∙ Recognize the types of aquifers.
2.1 Origin and Age of Groundwater
2.1 Origin and Age of Groundwater
The age of groundwater is defined as the time that has elapsed since the water first entered
the aquifer . For example, some of the rain that falls on an area percolates (trickles) down
through soil and rock until it reaches the water table . Once this water reaches the water
table, it moves though the aquifer. The time it takes to travel to a given location, known as
the groundwater age, can vary from days to thousands of years.
Hydrologists recently have developed another dating technique that may ultimately replace
CFC dating. The new technique uses sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) concentrations in
groundwater to determine groundwater age. Unlike CFC concentrations, atmospheric
SF 6 concentrations are expected to increase for the foreseeable future. The method,
although relatively new, shows promise.
Read more: http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/Ge-Hy/Groundwater-Age-of.html#ixzz6C6SRcVvN
2.2 Rock Properties Affecting Groundwater
2.2.1. Aquifers
An aquifer may be defined as a formation that contains sufficient saturated permeable material to yield
significant quantities of water to wells and springs. Aquifers are generally aerially extensive and may be
overlain or underlain by a confining bed, which may be defined as a relatively impermeable material
stratigraphically.
• Soil-Water Zone
• Intermediate vadose
zone
• Capillary Zone
2.4.4. Measurement of water content
The amount of water is determined by
subtracting the dry weight from the
initial weight, and the moisture
content is then calculated as the
amount of water divided by the dry
weight or total weight, depending on the
reporting method.
2.4.5. Available Water
Available water capacity is the water held in
soil between its field capacity and permanent
wilting point. Field capacity is the water
remaining in a soil after it has been
thoroughly saturated and allowed to drain
freely, usually for one to two days.
Permanent wilting point is the moisture
content of a soil at which plants wilt and fail
to recover when supplied with sufficient
moisture. Water capacity is usually
expressed as a volume fraction or
percentage, or as a depth (in or cm).
The amount of water in soil is based on rainfall
amount, what proportion of rain infiltrates into
the soil, and the soil's storage capacity. Available
water capacity is the maximum amount of plant
available water a soil can provide. It is an
indicator of a soil’s ability to retain water and
make it sufficiently available for plant use.
Why it is important: Soil is a
major storage reservoir for water.
Water availability is an important
indicator because plant growth and
soil biological activity depend on
water for hydration and delivery of
nutrients in solution. Runoff and
leaching volumes are also
determined by storage capacity and
pore size distribution.