Chapter 28, Problem 3TS

If the water table at location X is lower than the water table at location Y, does groundwater flow from X to Y or from Y to X?

To determine

The flow of ground water, when the water table at location X is lower than the water table at location Y.

Answer to Problem 3TS

The flow of ground water will be from Y to X., when the water table at location X is lower than the water table at location Y.

Explanation of Solution

When a hole is dug in the ground, it will fill up with the water in a certain location. It is because of the presence of a saturated zone. When the hole is dug in the unsaturated zone, water will not get filled. The upper boundary of the saturated zone is known as the water table. The water tries to fill the hole until the water comes to the same level. If the water table at location X is lower than the water table at location Y, then groundwater will be flow from Y to X. The water tries to move from areas where the water table is high to areas where the water table is low. The elevation of the water table is the deciding factor to determine the direction of flow.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the flow of ground water will be from Y to X, when the water table at location X is lower than the water table at location Y.