What shape does the cone of depression in the water table take?

The cone of depression in the water table takes on a conical shape due to the influence of extraction of groundwater from wells. When water is pumped from an aquifer, it creates a drop in hydraulic head, resulting in a depression in the water table around the well. This drop in water level resembles an inverted cone because the pressure from the groundwater around the well pushes water toward the point of extraction.

The depth of the cone increases as one moves closer to the well, while the radius of the cone widens outward. This conical depression is a characteristic feature of groundwater dynamics, illustrating how pumping alters the natural equilibrium of groundwater flow. The geometry of the cone of depression is crucial in understanding groundwater management and the sustainable extraction of water resources.