Aquifer transmissivity, storativity and drainage
For a vertically uniform confined aquifer of fixed thickness b, transmissivity is T=Kb and storativity S=S_sb.
Key knowledge
For a vertically uniform confined aquifer of fixed thickness b, transmissivity is T=Kb and storativity S=S_sb. They are depth-integrated conductance and elastic storage parameters. In an unconfined aquifer, water-table decline also drains pores: specific yield describes the water actually released over the stated drainage process and need not equal porosity.
Values and equations
T=Kb; S=S_sb; vertically layered analogue: T=∫K dz, S=∫S_s dz
- T
- transmissivity m² s⁻¹
- K
- hydraulic conductivity appropriate to horizontal flow m s⁻¹
- S
- confined storativity 1
- S_s
- specific storage m⁻¹
- b,z
- aquifer thickness and vertical coordinate m
Conditions and scope
- K and S_s must be appropriate to the same aquifer and averaging convention. With vertical variation use depth integrals under the compatible depth-integrated model.
- Unconfined saturated thickness can change, and delayed drainage, capillary retention and hysteresis affect yield. A confined storativity estimate cannot automatically be used as unconfined specific yield.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Read actual§2.10 equations2.61–2.64 and confined/unconfined moisture-profile comparison. Depth-integral generalization is explicitly the sum of local layer contributions; no universal ranges or claims that one aquifer is always better to exploit.
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Entry details
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