GroundwaterGroundwater

Chapter 10Chapter 10

Movement and StorageMovement and Storage

• If precipitation doesn’t runoff the surface it infiltrates into the ground.

• Well sorted sediments allow water to infiltrate into the ground more easily than poorly sorted sediments.

• Porosity- % of pore space.

Zone of SaturationZone of Saturation

• Zone of saturation- the depth below the Earth’s surface in which ground water fills all the pore spaces.

Ground water movementGround water movement

• Permeability- the ability of a material to let water through.

Ground water movementGround water movement

• Aquifers- permeable layers

Groundwater ErosionGroundwater Erosion

• Dissolution- the process of dissolving calcium carbonate

• Caves- a natural underground opening with a connection to the earth’s surface

• Karst topography- limestone regions that have sinkholes, sinks, and sinking streams.

Groundwater ErosionGroundwater Erosion

• Sinkhole- a depression in the ground caused by the collapse of a cave or by direct dissolution below the earth’s surface.

Groundwater depositsGroundwater deposits

• Hard Water- water that contains a high concentrations of calcium, magnesium, or iron.

• Stalactites- deposits that hang from a cave’s ceiling

• Stalagmites- drip stone deposit that forms below a stalactite.

Groundwater systemsGroundwater systems

• Springs- natural discharge of ground water at the earth’s surface

Groundwater systemsGroundwater systems

• Hot springs- springs that discharge water well above the average air temperature.

• Geysers- explosive hot springs

WellsWells

• Well- a hole dug or drilled into the ground to reach a reservoir of ground water

WellsWells

• Artesian Well- water is forced out of the round because of pressure from the recharge area.

Threats to water useThreats to water use

• Overuse-

Threats to water useThreats to water use

• Subsidence- sinking of land due to excessive withdrawal of groundwater

• Pollution

Threats to water useThreats to water use

• Chemicals-

• Salt-