Aqua-Geo Occurrences (P. 436-438) By James Miner , Justin Garver, Wyatt Jordan, and Tim Speaker

Wells and Springs Ordinary Wells are wells that only work if they penetrate highly permeable sediment or rock e water table. If it is not permeable enough, water cannot flow into the well fast enough to replace water that is being used. An ordinary spring is where the ground drops lower than the water table, springs are often found in rugged areas where the land is uneven. The springs may not flow continuously if the water table is irregular.

Artesian Wells and Springs Sometimes, an aquifer will be so extensive, that may become part of an artesian formation, or an arrangement of permeable and impermeable rock. An artesian formation is a sloping layer of rock that is sandwiched between 2 layers of non permeable rock. The permeable rock is the aquifer, and the nonpermeable, the caprock.

Artesian Formations (pt. 2) Water enters an these aquifers at a recharge zone, then flows downhill through the aquifer. This water causes pressure in the aquifer to increase. Water quickly is forced into and up through a well, and may even spout like a geyser. An artesian well is a well which water flows freely through without being pumped.

Artesian Formations (pt. 3) Artesian formations are also the source of water for some springs. Cracks naturally occur in the caprock, allowing water from the aquifer flows through the cracks. This flow forms artesian springs.

Hot Springs A hot spring is formed when water that is heated to at least 37℃ by magma rises to the surface. When the water cools, minerals are deposited at the edges of the spring. This creates step-like formations called travertine. Mud pots are formed when liquid clay is formed by weathered rock and hot water. If these are mixed with brightly colored minerals or organic materials, they are called paint pots.

Geysers Hot Springs erupt from pools on the ground Hot water collects in a pressurized superheated cavern underground until it boils and suddenly releases a large volume of steam up through a narrow superheated vent. The eruption continues until the underground caverns supply of steam is exhausted.

Questions 1. How is travertine formed? 2. What else do you think would affect the volume of an ordinary spring. 3. What are the layers in an artesian spring? 4. How do geysers shoot off steam in a large eruption?