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Vol. 9  No. 10

TORTUOSITY

&
SOLINST 101 WATER LEVEL METER

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Tortuosity

In last month's newsletter we discussed the effective diffusion coefficient.  This month we continue on this theme with a discussion on the tortuosity. Tortuosity plays an important role in the diffusion of a species in groundwater, and is used in some effective diffusion calculations.

What is tortuosity?

Tortuosity is a parameter that describes the path taken by the groundwater or species through the porous medium, relative to a direct route.  It is the actual length of the flow path, which is sinuous in form, divided by the straight line distance between the ends of the flow path.

In the figure above, the straight line distance is given by the red arrow, whereas a potential flow path is given by the blue line. It can be seen that the potential flow paths can be significantly longer than the straight line distance in porous media.

How is tortuosity calculated?

Tortuosity cannot be determined in the field, and thus the experimental approach is used for determining a value. The equation used for tortuosity is given by L_e/L where L_e is the length of a flow channel for the fluid, and L is the straight line length between the ends of the flow path.

What are typical values for tortuosity?

Ranges for tortuosity have been given between 1.25 and 1.78.

The Solinst 101 Water Level Meter can be used to measure water levels in wells, and thus determine the flow regime in groundwater. This is the first step towards understanding how water, and associated species, move in the subsurface.

References

Domenico P.A. and Schwartz, F.W. (1998). Physical and Chemical Hydrogeology. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY.

Fetter, C.W. (1994). Applied Hydrogeology; Third Edition.  Published by Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, NJ.

Freeze, R.A. and Cherry, J.A. (1979). Groundwater. Published by Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, NJ.

 

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Solinst 101 Water Level Meter

The Model 101 Water Level Meter is used for measuring the depth of water in wells, boreholes, and standpipes, and is the most accurate and reliable of the Solinst meters. It is easy to operate and read to 1/100 ft. or to each millimeter.

Features of the Model 101 Water Level Meter include:

Accurate

• Markings each 1/100 ft. or millimeter
• Traceable to national standards
• Sensitivity adjustable to conductivity
• Shielded probes to avoid false readings

Reliable

• Permanent, heat impregnated markings
• Non-stretch stainless steel conductors

Long Life

• Rugged, corrosion proof components
• Strong, flexible tape, is easily spliced

 

For more info or to purchase click here:  Solinst 101 Water Level Meter

YSI 556 
 (Temp,Cond.DO,pH) 

Solinst Levelogger
$565
What's the basic setup?


RBCA Tool Kit