Elastic and Inelastic Aquifer Compaction
![A figure showing how compaction of clay aquitard layers in an aquifer system may lead to inelastic compaction.](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/media/images/Circular1182_cropped.png?itok=S6FzWrm_)
Detailed Description
When long-term pumping lowers ground-water levels and raises stresses on an aquitard layer beyond the preconsolidation-stress thresholds of that layer, the aquitards compact and the land surface subsides permanently.
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.
Figure from USGS Circular 1182, (Galloway, 1999)