Final answer:
When an aquifer is dewatered, sediments may become compacted and consolidate due to the loss of pore water pressure. The flow pattern of groundwater can be altered, causing a lowering of the water table and the formation of a cone of depression. This dewatering process can have various impacts on sediments in and below the dewatered zone.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an aquifer is dewatered, the sediments that are in and below the dewatered zone can be affected in different ways. When water is removed from the aquifer, the sediments may become compacted and consolidate due to the loss of pore water pressure.
This can lead to the settlement or subsidence of the sediments above the dewatered zone. Additionally, the removal of water can change the flow pattern of groundwater in the aquifer. The water table may lower, causing a cone of depression to form around the dewatered zone.
This can result in a reduction in the flow of groundwater towards the dewatered area. Overall, the dewatering of an aquifer can have significant impacts on the sediments in and below the dewatered zone, including compaction, settlement, subsidence, and changes in groundwater flow.