Groundwater

Groundwater Water Table: The upper surface of underground water; the upper boundary of the zone of saturation. Zone of saturation: Spaces between rocks and soil are filled with water Zone of aeration: Spaces between rocks and soil are filled with air. Show Visual Concepts Ch. 11 1 and 2

Groundwater Aquifer: A body of rock or sediment that stores groundwater and allows the flow of groundwater.

Groundwater Porosity: The percentage of the total volume of a rock or sediment that consists of open spaces. Porosity measures how much water the aquifer could hold. Show Visual Concepts: Porosity

Groundwater Permeability: The ability of a rock or sediment to let fluids pass through its open spaces, or pores. Large particles have less surface area, so there will be less friction to slow water down. = More permeable Small particles have more surface area, therefore more friction. = Less permeable A rock that stops the flow of water is impermeable. Show Visual Concepts: Permeable/Impermeable

Groundwater Recharge Zone: An area in which water travels downward to become part of an aquifer. Show Visual Concepts: Recharge Zone

Groundwater Artesian Spring: A spring whose water flows from a crack in the cap rock over the aquifer Well: A human-made hole that is deeper than the level of the water table. Show visual concepts

Groundwater Sinkhole: When the water table is lower than the level of a cave, the cave is no longer supported by the water underneath. The roof of the cave can then collapse, which leaves a sinkhole.

Groundwater Questions What is the relationship between the zone of aeration, the zone of saturation, and the water table? Describe the difference between porosity and permeability. Explain how urban growth might affect the recharge zone of an aquifer. Explain the difference between a spring and a well.