The physical properties of the Upper Devonian/Lower Carboniferous aquifer in Fife

Abstract

The Upper Devonian/Lower Carboniferous sandstone system in Fife is one of Scotland’s most productive aquifers. Groundwater abstracted from the aquifer is used for public water supply, agriculture, and industry. This report describes the available data on the physical hydraulic properties of the aquifer and the analysis undertaken on the data, and provides an overview the magnitude and variability of these aquifer properties. The most productive units within the aquifer system, with the highest porosity, matrix hydraulic conductivity and specific capacity, are the Knox Pulpit and the Kinnesswood formations. Matrix porosity and hydraulic conductivity are decline with depth. Even where matrix porosity and hydraulic conductivity are highest, fracture flow is dominant, constituting at least 70% of total transmissivity in all the aquifer unit