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

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 units