GEOG 106 Lecture 24: Geog 106 - Class #24
Document Summary
Evaporation: damming rivers to create surface water we increase evaporation, and infiltration of surface water into aquifers, this increase of evaporation has impacted wildlife downstream, eg. Smelters from mining in sudbury: clearing vegetation we reduce transpiration and reduce water and water tables = less heat absorption, and less moisture being taken by atmosphere. Makes up one fifth of fresh water supply. Surface water by infiltration and percolation becomes groundwater. Groundwater becomes surface water through springs or drilled wells. Contained with aquifers: rocks and sands that hold water. Water table below rocks and sediment are filled with water, above the water is present, but not filled. Infiltration of water that reaches a aquifer = recharge zone. Groundwater flows downward, high pressure to low pressure. Largest aquifer is in the great plains of the unites states. Overdrawing groundwater to the surface for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use = creating a water shortages. Does not function as quickly as air + water.
