Aquifers
Definition
Aquifers are underground layers of permeable rock or sediment that hold and transmit water. They act as natural storage tanks, providing a source of freshwater for wells and springs.
Analogy
Imagine aquifers as giant sponges buried beneath the ground. When it rains, the sponge soaks up water and holds it within its tiny pores. This stored water can then be accessed through wells like squeezing out water from a sponge.
Related terms
Groundwater: Water that is stored in and moves through aquifers underground.
Recharge: The process by which water replenishes an aquifer, usually through precipitation seeping into the ground.
Overpumping: Extracting more water from an aquifer than can be naturally replenished, leading to depletion and potential long-term damage.
"Aquifers" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (1)
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.