Aquifer
An aquifer is a geological formation that is sufficiently porous and permeable to store and yield a significant quantity of water to a borehole, well or spring.
A confined aquifer is an aquifer that is confined between two layers of soil or rock that are much less pervious than the aquifer.
Principal aquifers are layers of rock or drift deposits that have high intergranular and/or fracture permeability, meaning they usually provide a high level of water storage and transmission. They may support water supply and/or river base flow on a strategic scale. In most cases, principal aquifers are aquifers previously designated as major aquifers.
For more information see: Principal aquifer.
There are two types of secondary aquifer designation:
- Secondary A: permeable layers capable of supporting water supplies at a local rather than strategic scale, and in some cases forming an important source of base flow to rivers. These are generally aquifers formerly classified as minor aquifers.
- Secondary B: predominantly lower permeability layers which may store and yield limited amounts of groundwater due to localised features such as fissures, thin permeable horizons and weathering. These are generally the water-bearing parts of the former non-aquifers.
Ref HS2 London-West Midlands Environmental Statement,November 2013, Volume 1 Glossary of terms and list of abbreviations.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Anisotropic.
- Aquitard.
- Artesian.
- Catchment flood management plans.
- Chalk aquifer.
- Groundwater.
- Groundwater control in urban areas.
- Principal aquifer.
- Secondary aquifer.
- Water engineering.
- Watercourse.
- Water framework directive.
- Water management.
- Water table.
- Why creating new ponds helps to protect the ecosystem.
Featured articles and news
Refurbishment for net zero; the BSRIA white paper
The everyday practice of tackling energy efficiency, fabric first, ventilation, air quality, and occupant wellbeing.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems
A key growth area, including impacts for construction.
Foundations for the Future: A new model for social housing
To create a social housing pipeline, that reduces the need for continuous government funding.
Mutual Investment Models or MIMs
PPP or PFI, enhanced for public interest by the Welsh Government.
Stress Awareness Week ends but employer legal duties continue.
A call to follow the five Rs for the business and for the staff.
Key points and relevance to construction of meeting, due to reconvene.
Cladding remediation programmes, transparency and target date.
National Audit Office issue report on cladding remediation.
HBPT and BEAMS Jubilees. Book review.
Does the first Labour budget deliver for the built environment?
What does the UK Budget mean for electrical contractors?
Mixed response as business pays, are there silver linings?
A brownfield housing boost for Liverpool
A 56 million investment from Homes England now approved.
Fostering a future-ready workforce through collaboration
Collaborative Futures: Competence, Capability and Capacity, published and available for download.
Considerate Constructors Scheme acquires Building A Safer Future
Acquisition defines a new era for safety in construction.
AT Awards evening 2024; the winners and finalists
Recognising professionals with outstanding achievements.
Reactions to the Autumn Budget announcement
And key elements of the quoted budget to rebuild Britain.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.