- 2080 Chaitra · 2 marks
Short note: Aquiclude
Short answer
An aquiclude is a saturated but impermeable geological formation (e.g. clay) that contains water but cannot transmit it to wells. It forms confining layers for artesian aquifers, acts as a leakage barrier, and is used in dam cores, yet may induce perched water tables and slope problems.
Write a short note on aquiclude.
An aquiclude is a saturated geological formation that contains water but is so impermeable that it cannot transmit it in useful quantity to wells or springs.
- Typical examples are clay and unfractured shale. Clay may have high porosity (40-60%) but very low hydraulic conductivity ( m/s).
- It forms the upper and lower boundary of confined (artesian) aquifers, so water stays under pressure.
- Acts as a natural barrier against contamination and vertical movement of water.
- Differs from an aquitard (low permeability, but transmits water slowly) and an aquifuge (neither contains nor transmits water).
Engineering importance
- Good as foundation of reservoirs and ponds, since it prevents leakage.
- Clay is used as impervious core in earth dams.
- Perched water tables form over aquicludes and can cause landslides and slope instability.
- Clay aquicludes can form weak, compressible foundations and may swell.
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