Groundwater occurrence in igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks

These igneous and metamorphic rocks are permeable only where they are
fractured, and they generally yield only small amounts of water to wells.

Water bearing properties of rocks

The property of Rocks which defines water bearing capacity is porosity and
permeability. The details are as under. The rate of ground water flow is controlled
by the properties of rock: Porosity and permeability.

Movement of Groundwater

Groundwater is in constant motion, although the rate at which it moves is

generally slower than it would move in a stream because it must pass through the
intricate passageways between free spaces in the rock. First the groundwater
moves downward due to the pull of gravity.

Determination of Permeability in the laboratory and in the field

The current methods for determining the permeability coefficient are routine
laboratory permeability test, field pumping test, water pressure test, and so
forth. Routine laboratory permeability test is divided into constant head
permeability test and variable head permeability test.

Permeability of coarse-grained soils having high permeability is determined in the

laboratory by the constant head permeability test. The principle of the test is to
measure the volume of water flowing through a soil specimen in a given time
and determine the permeability from the discharge using Darcy's law.
Permeability (hydraulic conductivity) can be determined by undertaking in-situ tests
in boreholes or standpipe piezometers. The test method involves variable head
(rising or falling) or constant head procedures and requires knowledge of the
groundwater level. The type of test undertaken depends on the soil type.

Permeability (hydraulic conductivity) can be determined by undertaking in-situ tests

in boreholes or standpipe piezometers. The test method involves variable head
(rising or falling) or constant head procedures and requires knowledge of the
groundwater level.

Permeability tests can be performed with the sample from 0% to 100% relative
density, as required. After compacting thin layers of the prepared granular soil
sample in the permeameter, a special sliding-weight compaction hammer or vibrating
tamper provides a higher relative density if required.

Coefficient of permeability is used to assess drainage characteristics of soil, rate

of consolidation and to predict rate of settlement of soil bed.

Transmissibility and storage coefficient

The coefficient of transmissibility indicates the rate at which an aquifer will transmit
water under a unit hydraulic gradient. The coefficient of storage characterizes the
ability of the aquifer to release water from storage as the head declines.