When the hydraulic conductivity of aquifer material is high, the cone of depression produced by pumping will be?

When the hydraulic conductivity of aquifer material is high, it allows water to move quickly through the pores and fractures of the material. This rapid movement of water means that when a pumping well is extracting water, the surrounding water can readily flow towards the well to replace the water being drawn out. As a result, the cone of depression, which represents the lower water levels around the well, will be wide and flatter compared to aquifers with lower hydraulic conductivity.

In high-conductivity materials, the water can easily redistribute itself, creating a broader area of impact without a dramatic drop in water level immediately around the well. Therefore, the shape of the cone of depression reflects this characteristic: it is not sharply defined and steep, but rather has a wider base and a more gradual decline in hydraulic head, resulting in a flatter profile. This behavior is typical in high-permeability formations, such as coarse sands or gravels, where water can flow easily and quickly, reinforcing the wide-flatter cone of depression.