GROUNDWATER

GROUNDWATER Groundwater forms when water soaks into the ground and collects in the pore spaces between particles of rock and soil.

GROUNDWATER Porosity – Amount of water a rock can hold.

GROUNDWATER Permeability- the ability of rock or soil to transmit water. The holes between the particles must be connected.

ZONES of GROUNDWATER The area where all of the pores in the rock are filled with water is the zone of saturation. The upper surface of this zone is the water table. The layer between Earth’s surface and the water table is the Zone of Aeration.

A layer of permeable rock that transmits water freely is an Aquifer. Impermeable layer along an aquifer, prevents water from flowing freely is an Aquitard.

Artesian well natural wells are under enough pressure to bring the water to the surface without a pump. Ordinary well hole dug below the water table that fills with groundwater

Artesian wells Flow to the surface naturally Under pressure “sandwiched between two impermeable layers Well must be below intake

Formation of a cone of depression in the water table

GROUNDWATER What are some modern-day groundwater issues that are affecting Michigan??

1. Groundwater Pollution SOURCES Septic tanks Landfills Fertilizers/pesticides Underground storage tanks (gas stations)

2. Groundwater Depletion Well’s going dry from excessive pumping is another concern/issue