Dupuit approximation
= Dupuit approximation
{c}
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.