What does a steep hydraulic gradient indicate about groundwater flow?

A steep hydraulic gradient indicates that there is a significant change in hydraulic head over a short distance, which means there is a greater pressure difference driving the flow of groundwater. This difference in pressure creates a stronger force that propels water through the aquifer, leading to faster groundwater movement. Essentially, the steep gradient allows the water to flow more rapidly towards areas of lower pressure or elevation, resulting in quicker groundwater transport compared to areas of gentle gradients where flow speeds are slower due to the smaller pressure differences.

The other possibilities describe scenarios where either water movement is slow or uniform, which would not be consistent with the characteristics of a steep hydraulic gradient that actively enhances flow velocity. Understanding this relationship is crucial for water management and predicting how quickly contaminants may spread through groundwater systems.