33. Occurrence, Movement, and Distribution of Groundwater
Groundwater is a critical component of the hydrological cycle and is stored in aquifers, which are essential for various human activities. The chapter extensively covers the occurrence, movement, and distribution of groundwater, examining concepts such as aquifers types, hydraulic principles affecting groundwater, and methods for groundwater exploration. Understanding these aspects is vital for effective water resource management.
Enroll to start learning
You've not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Sections
Navigate through the learning materials and practice exercises.
What we have learnt
- Groundwater is stored in aquifers formed through geological processes influenced by various factors.
- Movement of groundwater is governed by principles such as Darcy's Law and is affected by hydraulic gradients.
- Various types of aquifers exist, each with unique properties influencing water storage and movement.
Key Concepts
- -- Aquifer
- A geological formation that stores and transmits water in usable quantities.
- -- Darcy's Law
- The fundamental law governing groundwater flow expressed as Q = -KA(dh/dl), where Q is discharge, K is hydraulic conductivity, A is cross-sectional area, and dh/dl is hydraulic gradient.
- -- Hydraulic Head
- Total potential energy of groundwater, comprising elevation head, pressure head, and usually negligible velocity head.
- -- Recharge
- The process by whichGroundwater is replenished, either naturally from precipitation or artificially through various methods.
- -- Saltwater Intrusion
- The process whereby seawater enters an aquifer due to excessive groundwater extraction, leading to contamination of freshwater resources.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.