Understanding Well Performance
The performance of a well is a critical factor in assessing its efficiency and productivity in groundwater extraction. The correct answer to the question is option 'A' - specific capacity.
What is Specific Capacity?
- Specific capacity is defined as the rate at which water is produced from a well per unit drawdown.
- It is expressed in units of volume per time per unit of drawdown (e.g., liters per second per meter).
- This measurement helps in evaluating how effectively a well can supply water under specific conditions.
Why is Specific Capacity Important?
- Efficiency Indicator: Specific capacity reflects the efficiency of the well in accessing groundwater. A higher specific capacity indicates that a well can deliver more water with less drawdown, making it more effective.
- Well Design and Management: Engineers use specific capacity to design wells and manage aquifer resources. Understanding well performance helps in optimizing the extraction rates without depleting the aquifer.
- Comparative Analysis: Specific capacity allows for the comparison between different wells or aquifers. This aids in identifying the most productive sources for water supply.
Other Options Explained
- Specific Yield: Refers to the volume of water that can be drained from a saturated aquifer.
- Storage Coefficient: Represents the amount of water an aquifer can store per unit area per unit change in hydraulic head.
- Permeability Coefficient: Indicates the ability of soil or rock to transmit water.
In summary, specific capacity is a direct measure of a well's performance, making it a crucial parameter for civil engineers involved in groundwater resource management.