Conceptest: Permeability and Cone of depression
This material was originally created for
On the Cutting Edge: Professional Development for Geoscience Faculty and is replicated here as part of the SERC Pedagogic Service.
Question:
Two wells (A and B) are drilled into rocks that have the same porosity, but the rocks around well A have a higher permeability than these around well B. Suppose both wells are pumped at the same rate. Which statement is true?
b. Well B will have a larger cone of depression.
c. The cone of depression will be the same for both wells.
Student Responses:
These responses were collected from students (mostly freshmen, non-majors) in multiple large Earth Science classes (60+ students) at an open-enrollment, Midwestern university. N=145 students on first attempt; 133 after peer instruction.
a. 39% of students selected this answer on their first attempt; 27% after peer instruction.
b. 53% of students selected this answer on first attempt; 71% after peer instruction. (correct)
c. 8% of students selected this answer on first attempt; 2% after peer instruction.
References and Notes:
The use of ConcepTests and Peer Instruction is discussed in detail on the ConcepTest page.
McConnell, D.A., Steer, D.N. and Owens, K.A., 2003, Assessment and Active Learning Strategies for Introductory Geology Courses, Journal of Geoscience Education, 51(2), 205-216.
McConnell, D.A., Steer et al., 2006, Using Conceptests to Assess and Improve Student Conceptual Understanding in Introductory Courses, Journal of Geoscience Education, (54(1), 61-68.