This calculator is designed to help you determine the flow of groundwater using Darcy's Law, a fundamental equation in hydrogeology. It is ideal for students, professionals, and researchers in the field of earth sciences.
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Data Source and Methodology
All calculations are based on the principles of Darcy's Law and sourced from authoritative texts in hydrogeology.
The Formula Explained
Darcy's Law:
Q = K × i × A
Glossary of Terms
- Hydraulic Conductivity (K): A measure of a material's ability to transmit water.
- Hydraulic Gradient (i): The slope of the water table or potentiometric surface.
- Area of Cross-section (A): The area through which the water flows perpendicular to the direction of flow.
- Flow Rate (Q): The volume of water flowing through a cross-section per unit time.
How It Works: A Step-by-Step Example
Assume K = 10 m/day, i = 0.01, and A = 5 m2. The flow rate Q can be calculated as follows:
Q = 10 × 0.01 × 5 = 0.5 m3/day
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Darcy's Law?
Darcy's Law describes the flow of a fluid through a porous medium and is fundamental in hydrogeology.
How is hydraulic conductivity determined?
Hydraulic conductivity can be determined through laboratory tests or field tests in the context of soil or rock permeability.
Why is Darcy's Law important?
It is crucial for predicting and managing groundwater flow, contamination, and resource extraction.
Can Darcy's Law be used for all types of fluids?
It is primarily used for water but can be adapted for other fluids under certain conditions.
What limitations does Darcy's Law have?
It assumes laminar flow and may not apply in highly heterogeneous or turbulent flow conditions.
Formula (LaTeX) + variables + units
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Darcy's Law: Q = K × i × A
- No variables provided in audit spec.
- NIST — Weights and measures — nist.gov · Accessed 2026-01-19
https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures - FTC — Consumer advice — consumer.ftc.gov · Accessed 2026-01-19
https://consumer.ftc.gov/
Last code update: 2026-01-19
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