Water Table Flashcards

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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)

Precipitation (correct)

Interception (correct)

Soil moisture (correct)

Subsurface flow (correct)

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?

Aquifuge Signup and view all the answers

What are aquifers?

A layer of porous substrate (like gravel, sand, or silt) that contains and transmits groundwater. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes confined aquifers from unconfined aquifers?

Confined aquifers are overlain by a confining bed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the water table?

A surface of a water body that adjusts towards an equilibrium condition; without recharge or outflow, it would become horizontal. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs at the intersection of the water table with the surface?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is artesian water?

Water in confined aquifers under the pressure of their weight, creating a pressure level that forces water to flow out. Signup and view all the answers

What is the unsaturated zone?

The region between the land surface and the aquifer where there is usually some water and air in larger openings. Signup and view all the answers

What is recharge?

The process by which groundwater is replenished. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recharge area?

Where water from precipitation is transmitted downwards to an aquifer. Signup and view all the answers

What are high/critical recharge areas?

Areas that transmit the most precipitation. Signup and view all the answers

What are some methods of groundwater discharge?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What are springs?

Occurrences where the water table reaches a sloping surface, causing groundwater to flow out. Signup and view all the answers

What are geysers?

Natural phenomena that occur when water is heated underground and forced above the ground by pressure. Signup and view all the answers

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.