Waterkeringslagen

Waterkeringslagen are layers in soil or rock that have very low hydraulic conductivity, hindering the movement of water. In geology, such layers are often called aquitards or aquicludes and they separate aquifers or confining groundwater systems. Waterkeringslagen are typically clay-rich sediments, dense till, or compacted rock, though engineered waterproof barriers can also serve the same function. Their effectiveness depends on thickness, continuity, and the absence of significant faults or fractures.

In groundwater systems, waterkeringslagen act as confining beds that restrict vertical flow. They influence groundwater pressure, the distribution of springs, and the extent of artesian conditions. The presence and characteristics of these layers determine how groundwater moves, stores, and responds to pumping or recharge, and they can contribute to regional hydrogeological zoning and subsidence risks.

In engineering practice, waterkeringslagen are considered as natural or artificial barriers to water ingress. They are important in the design of basements, tunnels, and underground structures, where a reliable barrier reduces seepage and dampness. Engineered waterkeringslagen may consist of compacted clay, geosynthetic clay liners, geomembranes, or other impermeable materials and are selected for durability, chemical compatibility, and stability.

Assessment and mapping of waterkeringslagen rely on borehole data, hydraulic tests, and geophysical surveys to determine thickness, continuity, and hydraulic conductivity. Understanding these layers is essential for water resources management, contamination risk assessment, and the design of subterranean construction and flood-protection measures. Related terms include aquitard, aquiclude, and confining layer.