Groundwater Chapter 10

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

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

Ground water movement Aquifers- permeable layers

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

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

Groundwater systems Hot springs- springs that discharge water well above the average air temperature. Geysers- explosive hot springs

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

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

Threats to water use Overuse-

Threats to water use Subsidence- sinking of land due to excessive withdrawal of groundwater Pollution

Threats to water use Chemicals- Salt-