Groundwater Overview

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to groundwater, its importance, distribution, and geological impact.

Groundwater

Water stored below Earth’s surface, mainly in tiny pore spaces between rock or sediment grains.

Zone of Saturation

A zone where all the open spaces in sediment and rock are completely filled with water.

Porosity

The void space in the rock.

Permeability

The ability of a material to transmit a fluid.

Aquifer

Permeable rock strata or sediment that store and transmit groundwater freely.

Aquitard

Impermeable layers that hinder or prevent water movement.

Spring

A naturally occurring spot where groundwater leaves the ground and flows out onto the surface.

Hot Spring

A spring that transfers heat from the deeper crust to the surface.

Geyser

A hot spring that erupts hot water periodically.

Drawdown

The difference between the height of the current water table and the height of the original water table.

Cone of Depression

A cone-shaped depression in the water table immediately surrounding a well.

Karst Topography

A distinctive type of landscape dominated by the dissolving of limestone near Earth’s surface.