Problem 8 Solution

Question: The figure shows a map view of a lake and shoreline. The water table elevation at Well A is 12 m. Assuming the water table is planar (an inclined plane), what is the expected water level elevation in Well B?

a) 12
b) 13
c) 14
d) A value between 12 and 13

Solution: The water level in the lake is horizontal. Therefore, the head is the same everywhere in the lake, including along the length of the lake-shoreline interface. Since flow is orthogonal to equipotential lines and the water table is assumed planar, the contour interval of 2 m is extrapolated upgradient, thereby resulting in a water level of 14 m at Well B.

Figure for solution to Example Problem 8

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Conceptual and Visual Understanding of Hydraulic Head and Groundwater Flow Copyright © 2020 by Andrew J.B. Cohen and John A. Cherry. All Rights Reserved.