Physical properties of geological formations related to hydraulic conductivity

Question 1

Spatial variability

Answer 1

a) homogeneous formations – hydraulic conductivity (K) do not vary from one location to another in the formation
b) heterogeneous formations – K varies from one location to another

Question 2

Geological features that cause heterogeneity (4)

Answer 2

a) unit thickness
b) layering
c) facies changes
d) solution

Question 3

Directional variability

Answer 3

a) isotropic formations – hydraulic conductivity (K) is independent of the direction of measurement
b) anisotropic formations – K varies depending on the direction of measurement

Question 4

Geological features that cause anisotropy

Answer 4

a) imbrication of grains
b) clogs
c) basalts

Question 5

Bulk hydraulic conductivity of parallel beds

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Answer 5

A weighted arithmetic average of the hydraulic conductivities of the individual layers

Kb= (K1 . A1/At) + (K2 . A2/At) + (K3 . A3/At)

Question 6

Hydrostatic unit (HSU)

Answer 6

one or more geological beds having similar hydrogeological properties

Question 7

Bulk hydraulic conductivity of beds in series

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Answer 7

A weighted harmonic average of the K of individual layers

Kb= [(L1/K1 . Lt) + (L2/K2 . Lt) + (L3/K3 . Lt)]^-1