Groundwater-Surface Water Interactions
Key points (what your kiddos REALLY need to understand!) We cannot consider surface water without thinking about groundwater Groundwater and surface water do not flow the same way Interactions between groundwater and surface water may “shift” as a result of other factors
Applicable standards (see handout) SPIRAL
Water cycle, USGS
“Surface water bodies are hydraulically connected to groundwater in most types of landscapes; as a result, surface water bodies are integral parts of ground water flow systems.” -From Proceedings of the Ground-water/Surface-Water Interactions Workshop
Close to the surface…
Driven by hydraulic head Surface Water Groundwater Driven by gravity Driven by hydraulic head
What drives groundwater flow? Hydraulic head! SHOW VIDEO! Cross section from the USGS What drives groundwater flow? Hydraulic head! - Gravity: water moves from higher to lower elevations - Pressure: water moves from high to low pressure What drives groundwater flow? - Gravity: water moves from higher to lower elevations - Pressure: water moves from high to low pressure
Video in the Ogallala Aquifer map
How does groundwater pumping affect surface water? Factors affecting stream depletion: Degree of connectedness Distance Rate of pumping Physical characteristics
Groundwater pollution – surface water pollution