groundwater

Now, as groundwater naturally moves in the subsurface, it carries a plume of contamination along as well.

The groundwater flow lines adjust to go under the wall and back up to the other side of the model.

Like all fluids, groundwater flows from areas of high pressure toward areas of low pressure.

If I add groundwater to the mix, the problem is even worse.

Over long periods of time, groundwater flowing through the subsurface can dissolve the rock, creating voids and open tunnels.

But let’s look at a non-erosive example of groundwater movement first.

Then other construction projects nearby began, including the adjacent Transbay Transit Center, which required their own deep excavations and groundwater drawdowns.

If I add the slurry to one side of the demo, you can see how the denser fluid displaces the groundwater.

Living inland doesn’t guarantee safety either, tidal bores cause rivers to flow backwards, carrying saltwater to contaminate surface and groundwater supplies.