Groundwater Basics
What is groundwater?
Water found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand, and rock.
What process allows rainwater to soak into the ground?
Infiltration.
What is an aquifer?
A body of rock or sediment that stores groundwater.
The water table drops below the level of the well.
Drinking water, irrigation, or industrial use.
Why are groundwater resources unevenly distributed?
Different geologic formations and past climate conditions.
True or False: Groundwater is stored above the soil.
False. It is stored below the surface.
What land surface features improve infiltration?
Soil, vegetation, and permeable materials.
Name one common type of aquifer.
Sand and gravel aquifers.
What is overpumping and why is it harmful?
Removing more water than is naturally replaced; can cause wells to dry up or land to sink.
What geologic process creates porous rock for aquifers?
Sedimentation or volcanic activity.
What is the term for water that fills the pores in the ground?
Saturated zone.
What slows or prevents infiltration into the ground?
Impermeable surfaces like concrete or asphalt.
How do wells access groundwater from aquifers?
They are drilled into aquifers to pump water to the surface.
ow can agriculture affect groundwater quality?
Fertilizers and pesticides can contaminate groundwater.
Why is groundwater more available in some areas than others?
Because of rock types, rainfall, and terrain.
What is the upper boundary of groundwater called?
The water table.
How does urbanization affect groundwater recharge?
Reduces recharge by increasing runoff and impermeable surfaces.
What is a confined aquifer?
An aquifer trapped between layers of impermeable rock.
What is saltwater intrusion?
When seawater moves into freshwater aquifers, often due to overpumping near coasts.
What type of rock is best for storing groundwater?
Permeable rock like sandstone.
What causes the water table to rise or fall?
Changes in precipitation and human use (like wells or irrigation).
How is infiltration connected to groundwater pollution?
Polluted water can seep through soil and contaminate aquifers.
Why might a well dry up?
The water table drops below the level of the well.
Name one way to protect groundwater.
Limit pollutants, use less water, improve wastewater systems.
How have past geoscience events shaped groundwater access today?
Glaciers, erosion, and plate movement influenced where aquifers formed.