User:
The aquifer
Storyboard 
Beyond the supposed spring, there are several points where water emerges on the property, located in areas that cannot be directly linked to surface water entering from the upper part of the wetland. This strongly suggests the presence of an aquifer, which, if located, could provide high-quality potable water.
For this reason, the evidence, visible soil layers, and their arrangement have been carefully studied. Based on this analysis, the approximate position of the aquifer and its probable characteristics have been identified, allowing for the estimation of the optimal location for drilling a future well.
ID:(159, 0)
Soil model
Description
To build the model, it is necessary to study the properties of the soils Msd1, Msd2, and their mixture. In general terms:
| Msd1 | Fine particles (clays and silts) have a high water retention capacity due to their micropores. |
| Msd2 | Coarse particles, such as sands and gravels, have a lower water retention capacity due to their higher permeability. |
| Msd1 + Msd2 | The incorporation of sands reduces water retention, but a moderate capacity remains due to the silty content. |
Typical Properties of the Soils
| Soil | Porosity (%) | Permeability (m/s) | Moisture (%) |
| Msd1 | 5 - 15 | 1E-7 - 1E-9 | 30 - 50 |
| Msd2 | 25 - 35 | 1E-4 - 1E-6 | 10 - 20 |
| Msd1 + Msd2 | 15 - 25 | 1E-5 - 1E-7 | 20 - 35 |
| Parameter | Msd1 | Msd2 | Msd1 + Msd2 |
| Porosity (%) | 5 - 15 | 25 - 35 | 15 - 25 |
| Permeability (m/s) | 1E-7 - 1E-9 | 1E-4 - 1E-6 | 1E-5 - 1E-7 |
| Moisture (%) | 30 - 50 | 10 - 20 | 20 - 35 |
Conclusions Based on the Cuts
1. Upper layer:
There is a high-humidity layer at the surface with a defined boundary toward the underlying layer. This may be due to modifications introduced by the construction of the road.
2. Intermediate layer:
If the upper layer is assumed to be a recent deposit, the actual upper layer would correspond to the second layer, which shows low moisture, similar to that observed in the cut near the house. This suggests it could be a mixture of Msd1 (silts and clays) and Msd2 (sands and gravels).
3. Underlying layer:
The next layer shows higher moisture, which would indicate it corresponds predominantly to Msd1 (silts and clays). This layer is observed in specific areas, such as beneath the house (2), near the beach (3) and near the wetland (4).
4. Formation of a natural dam:
The outcrops observed above and below the rocky lower zone suggest that it acts as a subterranean dam. This helps maintain the wetland moist throughout the year, even though point (1) dries up in the summer.
Layer model for the area around the house
Model Interpretation
Water infiltration:
• The mixture of Msd1 and Msd2 allows water infiltration into the Msd1 layer, where it continues its descent toward the ocean.
• The relatively low permeability of the mixture causes slow water movement, which explains its independence from seasonal changes. This is consistent with historical Google Earth images.
Predominant vegetation:
• The good filtration capacity at the surface creates ideal conditions for vegetation adapted to well-drained soils.
ID:(973, 0)
Well Position
Description
Based on the model, a possible direction of aquifer flow (indicated by the blue arrow) has been identified, suggesting a potential location for the future well:
Soil model interpretation to estimate the potential well position
A top-down view reveals a possible second flow direction of the aquifer (indicated by the light blue arrow), which also supports the initially proposed well location:
Possible flow direction and suggested well location
ID:(974, 0)
Mechanical properties of the soil
Description
The key mechanical properties of the soil, relevant both for calculations related to soil drilling for well construction and for evaluating the soil's stability under the house, are summarized in the following table:
| Property | Msd1 | Msd2 | Msd1 + Msd2 |
| Compressive Strength (MPa) | 0.5 - 3.0 | 1.0 - 10.0 | 0.8 - 5.0 |
| Elasticity (Young's Modulus, GPa) | 0.2 - 1.0 | 0.5 - 5.0 | 0.3 - 2.0 |
| Bulk Density (g/cm³) | 1.8 - 2.2 | 1.9 - 2.4 | 1.8 - 2.3 |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 2 - 4 | 3 - 5 | 2.5 - 4.5 |
| Internal Friction Angle (°) | 15 - 25 | 30 - 35 | 20 - 30 |
| Cohesion (kPa) | 15 - 40 | 5 - 15 | 10 - 25 |
Description of Properties
Msd1 (Fine compacted sediments: silts and clays)
• Low compressive strength: Due to its unconsolidated nature and high proportion of fine particles.
• Moderate to low elasticity: Typical of unconsolidated sediments.
• Low hardness: Dominated by fine materials such as silts and clays.
• Reduced internal friction angle: Indicating lower resistance to internal sliding.
• High cohesion: Provided by the adhesion of fine particles, contributing to structural stability.
Msd2 (Coarse sediments: sandstones and conglomerates)
• High compressive strength: Due to greater consolidation and coarse particle content.
• Higher elasticity: Characteristic of more rigid materials like sandstones and conglomerates.
• Moderate to high hardness: Due to the presence of more resistant minerals.
• High internal friction angle: Indicating good resistance to sliding.
Low cohesion: Due to reduced adhesion between coarse particles.
Msd1 + Msd2 (Mixture of fine and coarse sediments)
• Intermediate properties: Depending on the proportion of fine and coarse particles in the mix.
• Moderate compressive strength and elasticity: Resulting from the combination of cohesion (Msd1) and internal friction (Msd2).
• Variable density and hardness: Determined by the mix of silts, clays, and sands.
• Balanced internal friction angle and cohesion: Offering a good combination of structural stability and permeability.
ID:(975, 0)