Theory 36/Transport & flow/Groundwater flow
Flow Is Gradient Against Conductivity
The claim
Groundwater flux is set by the ratio of hydraulic gradient to conductivity, so a steep gradient in a tight aquifer moves less water than a gentle one in a permeable one.
01Mechanism
Darcy's law relates flux to both; the ratio determines the rate.
02Prediction
Flux should track the ratio.
03Refutation
Flux tracking gradient alone would remove conductivity.