Do equations for groundwater flow refer to water density?

In summary: The actual velocity at which water is moving through the soil is less important than the pressure gradient that’s pushing the water through the soil.
  • #1
Stephen Tashi
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TL;DR Summary
Do the equations for groundwater flow contain terms representing the density of water in the soil?
As I understand Darcy's law, it computes the flux of water through an area. The same value of flux can be the realized by different combinations of a density of water in the soil and the velocity of that water. So. as far as I can see, Darcy's law is ambiguous about which combination of density and velocity occurs. Is that a correct interpretation? Are there other equations that deal with the density and velocity?
 
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  • #2
Darcy’s law refers to the superficial velocity of the water through the medium, driven by a pressure gradient.
 
  • #3
Stephen Tashi said:
Summary:: Do the equations for groundwater flow contain terms representing the density of water in the soil?

As I understand Darcy's law, it computes the flux of water through an area. The same value of flux can be the realized by different combinations of a density of water in the soil and the velocity of that water. So. as far as I can see, Darcy's law is ambiguous about which combination of density and velocity occurs. Is that a correct interpretation? Are there other equations that deal with the density and velocity?
While doing environmental testing, underground leaching of an old industrial landfill in the Seattle area (very hydrologically active glacial loess). The area is largely layers of sand (porous) and clay (impervious). The steep hillsides slide when Earth movement liquifies sand layer. Density seems irrelevant as limiting low density is determined by layer "crush resistance" and pore availability. Some of the EPA toxics were delayed vs water so water flow not used but toxics mapping was similar.
 
  • #4
Wikipedia said:
This quantity K, often referred to as the Darcy flux or Darcy velocity, is not the velocity at which the fluid is traveling through the pores. The flow velocity (u) is related to the flux (q) by the porosity (φ) and takes the form u = q / φ;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darcy's_law#Description
 

1. What is groundwater flow?

Groundwater flow refers to the movement of water through the pores and fractures in the subsurface of the Earth.

2. How are equations used to describe groundwater flow?

Equations are used to describe groundwater flow by mathematically representing the physical processes and factors that influence the movement of water through the subsurface.

3. Do equations for groundwater flow take into account water density?

Yes, equations for groundwater flow do take into account water density. Water density is an important factor in determining the direction and rate of groundwater flow.

4. How does water density affect groundwater flow?

Water density affects groundwater flow by influencing the buoyancy and pressure gradients within the subsurface, which in turn can affect the direction and rate of flow.

5. Are there different equations for groundwater flow in different types of aquifers?

Yes, there are different equations for groundwater flow in different types of aquifers. The physical properties and characteristics of different aquifers can impact the equations used to describe groundwater flow in those specific environments.

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