Dupuit approximation

The Dupuit approximation treats flow in a shallow unconfined aquifer as predominantly horizontal, with hydrostatic pressure $p=\rho g(h-z)$ and horizontal pressure gradient independent of depth. Integrating Darcy's law over the saturated depth then gives a volume flux per unit width depending only on the groundwater height and its slope.

For saturated Darcy flow through a long dam occupying a channel of width $\alpha z^2$, let hydraulic conductivity be $K=k\rho g/\mu$ and free-surface height $h(x)$. The Dupuit approximation gives $Q=-K\alpha h^3{h}_x/3$. Fixed heads $h(0)=H$ and $h(L)=\eta$ give $h^4=H^4-(H^4-{\eta }^4)x/L$ and the displayed steady discharge. Porosity relates pore velocity to superficial Darcy velocity but does not independently multiply this discharge when $k$ is intrinsic permeability. For depth-dependent permeability, integrate the horizontal conductivity over the saturated cross-section first.