Hydraulic Head

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Definition

Hydraulic head is the height above a datum plane such as sea level of the column of water that can be supported by the hydraulic pressure at a given point in a groundwater system.

Description

Elevation to which water will rise in a borehole connected to a point in an aquifer under pressure.

Why is hydraulic head important?

Hydraulic heads provide an indication of the direction of groundwater flow and is used to determine hydraulic gradients.