STREAMBED HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY - A STATE OF ART
The hydraulic properties of a streambed are major control in the hydrologic connection between a stream and an aquifer. Streambed characteristics such as thickness, width, bed material, and vertical hydraulic conductivity (Kv) have a great influence on streambed hydraulic properties and water movement. The vertical hydraulic conductivity (Kv) of streambed plays an important role in river water and groundwater interaction. Determination of the vertical hydraulic conductivity (Kv) of the entire riverbed has significant importance for the study of groundwater recharge. This review attempts to summarize the importance and factors influencing streambed hydraulic conductivity. In this paper a large amount of literature has been explained on methods to determine streambed hydraulic conductivity and the problems associated with these methods. A comprehensive review of the work done on streambed hydraulic conductivity is presented placing special emphasis on their spatial and temporal variations. Keywords- hydraulic properties, vertical hydraulic conductivity, groundwater interaction, spatial and temporal variation.