Question

Steady flow condition in a confined aquifer occurs when:

• A. the rate of recharge is more than the rate of groundwater discharge.
• B. the rate of recharge is equal to the rate of groundwater discharge.
• C. the rate of recharge is less than the rate of groundwater discharge.
• D. the pumping rate is more than the safe yield of the aquifer.

Hint:

For steady flow in an aquifer, recharge and discharge rates must be equal, maintaining equilibrium within the system.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In a confined aquifer, the steady flow condition is achieved when the amount of water entering the aquifer through recharge is equal to the amount of water leaving the aquifer due to discharge. This ensures that the water table and pressure remain stable.

• (A) The rate of recharge being more than the rate of discharge would cause an increase in the water table, which is not a steady state.
• (B) Correct. Steady flow condition occurs when the rate of recharge is equal to the rate of groundwater discharge, meaning the system is in equilibrium.
• (C) If recharge is less than discharge, the aquifer would deplete over time, and this would not be a steady-state condition.
• (D) The pumping rate being more than the safe yield would lead to aquifer depletion, not steady flow.

Thus, the correct answer is (B).