Questions and Answers
What is ground water?
The part of precipitation that infiltrates the soil to the water table. It is an important component of water systems.
Which of the following are sources of groundwater? (Select all that apply)
What are the zones of ground water?
Zone of aeration/vadose zone contains both water and air; saturated zone has all interconnected openings between rock particles filled with water.
What are the classifications of the saturated zone?
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What are aquifers?
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What distinguishes confined aquifers from unconfined aquifers?
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What is the water table?
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What occurs at the intersection of the water table with the surface?
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What is artesian water?
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What is the unsaturated zone?
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What is recharge?
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What is a recharge area?
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What are high/critical recharge areas?
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What are some methods of groundwater discharge?
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What are springs?
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What are geysers?
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Study Notes
Ground Water
- Ground water refers to precipitation that infiltrates the soil, reaching the water table, and is crucial for water systems.
Sources of Groundwater
- Key sources include:
- Precipitation
- Interception
- Subsurface flow
- Soil moisture
Zones of Ground Water
- Zone of aeration (vadose zone): Contains both air and water.
- Saturated zone: All openings between rock particles are filled with water.
Classification of Saturated Zone
- The saturated zone includes four categories:
- Aquifer: Porous rock layer that contains and transmits groundwater.
- Aquiclude: Impermeable layer that blocks water flow.
- Aquifuge: Rock layer that does not allow water to pass through.
- Aquitard: Semi-permeable layer that slows down water movement.
Aquifers
- Aquifers are composed of porous substrates like gravel, sand, or silt and are essential for groundwater transmission.
Types of Aquifers
- Confined aquifer: Bounded by confining layers and receives recharge through cracks.
- Unconfined aquifer: No confining layer; open to surface infiltration.
Water Table
- The water table constantly adjusts towards equilibrium; it would become horizontal without recharge or outflow.
Intersection of the Water Table with Surface
- Springs: Groundwater flows to the surface.
- Effluent streams: Fed by surrounding aquifers.
- Influent streams: Contribute water to local aquifers.
Artesian Water
- Confined aquifers have pressurized water due to weight, creating a potentiometric surface that forces water to the surface.
Unsaturated Zone
- Located between land surface and aquifer; contains air in larger openings and water in smaller soil/rock pores.
Recharge Process
- Recharge refers to how groundwater is replenished, crucial for maintaining aquifer levels.
Recharge Area
- Locations where precipitation water is transmitted downwards to recharge aquifers.
High/Critical Recharge Areas
- These areas are pivotal as they transmit the highest amounts of precipitation to aquifers.
Discharge of Groundwater
- Discharge methods include:
- Transpiration
- Evaporation
- Springs
- Subsurface flow
- Wells
Springs
- Springs occur where the water table meets a sloping surface; hot springs form when groundwater contacts heated rocks.
Geysers
- Geysers are created when underground water is heated, causing it to expand and erupt due to pressure.
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Description
This quiz consists of flashcards that cover key concepts related to groundwater, including definitions of terms and sources of groundwater. It is designed to enhance understanding of water table dynamics and their significance in environmental science.
