Aquifer Definitions Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is ground water?

Underground water that is held in the soil and in pervious rocks (correct)

Water that flows above the soil

Water from rivers

Water in the ocean

What is an aquifer?

A body of rock or sediment that stores groundwater and allows the flow of groundwater

Recharge is water added to an aquifer, for example, when _____ seeps into the ground.

rainwater

The unsaturated zone is below the water table.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the saturated zone contain?

A layer of permeable rock or soil in which the cracks and pores are totally filled with water Signup and view all the answers

Permeable materials prevent liquids from passing through.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is an impermeable layer?

Preventing especially liquids from passing or diffusing through Signup and view all the answers

What is the water table?

The underground surface below which the ground is wholly saturated with water Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a well?

To obtain water, oil, gas, or brine Signup and view all the answers

What is porosity?

The percentage of the total volume of a rock or sediment that consists of open spaces Signup and view all the answers

What is permeability?

The property of something that can be pervaded by a liquid Signup and view all the answers

What are pores?

Tiny openings on the skin's surface Signup and view all the answers

What are micro-organisms?

Living things that are too small to see with the naked eye Signup and view all the answers

What is a river?

A large natural stream of water (larger than a creek) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ground Water

Underground water found in soil and permeable rocks.
Essential for various ecosystems and human usage.

Aquifer

A structure composed of rock or sediment that holds and allows groundwater flow.
Vital for water supply and irrigation.

Recharge

Process of adding water to an aquifer, typically through rainwater infiltration.
Can be enhanced artificially via injection wells or surface spreading techniques.

Unsaturated Zone

Layer of soil and rock above the water table where pores contain both air and water.
Plays a key role in groundwater filtration and retention.

Saturated Zone

Area beneath the water table where all pores and fractures are filled with water.
It acts as a source of groundwater for wells and springs.

Permeable

Characteristic of materials that allow liquids to pass through easily.
Critical in aquifer function and water movement.

Impermeable

Describes materials that hinder the flow of liquids.
Important for preventing contaminant migration and maintaining aquifer integrity.

Water Table

The upper surface of the saturated zone where the ground is fully saturated with water.
It fluctuates based on recharge and extraction rates.

Well

A structure, either dug or drilled, designed to access water, oil, gas, or brine.
Varies in design based on depth and intended use.

Porosity

Measurement of the volume of open spaces in rock or sediment expressed as a percentage.
Influences the storage capacity of groundwater.

Permeability

The ability of a material to allow liquids to flow through it, significant for groundwater movement.
Determines how easily water can travel through soil and rock formations.

Pores

Small openings within a material, such as rock or soil, that affect water movement and storage.
Essential for defining the porosity and permeability of aquifers.

Micro-organisms

Microscopic living organisms, often found in soil and water.
Can play roles in nutrient cycling and water quality.

River

A considerable natural watercourse, larger than a creek, which flows towards oceans or lakes.
Integral part of the hydrological cycle and ecosystem health.