Groundwater terms flashcard

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water that occurs when excess stormwater, meltwater, or other sources flows over the Earth's surface.

Front

What is an aquifer?

Back

An aquifer is a geological formation that can store and transmit water, allowing it to be extracted for use in wells and irrigation.

Front

What is the difference between confined and unconfined aquifers?

Back

Confined aquifers are trapped between impermeable layers, while unconfined aquifers are open to the surface and can recharge directly from rainfall.

Front

Define porosity.

Back

Porosity is the measure of the void spaces in a material, expressed as a fraction of the volume of voids over the total volume.

Front

Define permeability.

Back

Permeability is the ability of a material to allow fluids to pass through it, which is crucial for the movement of groundwater.

Front

What factors affect groundwater recharge?

Back

Groundwater recharge is affected by precipitation, soil type, vegetation, and land use practices.

Front

What is the water table?

Back

The water table is the upper surface of the zone of saturation, where the soil or rock is fully saturated with water.

Front

What is the significance of the term 'usable water' in relation to aquifers?

Back

Usable water refers to the portion of groundwater that can be extracted and used for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes.

Front

What is the relationship between porosity and water storage?

Back

Higher porosity in a material typically means it can store more water, as there is more space available for water to occupy.

Front

What is the role of vegetation in groundwater systems?

Back

Vegetation helps to stabilize soil, reduce runoff, and promote groundwater recharge through transpiration and infiltration.