ENVS 1050 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Lithification, Porosity, Aquifer
21 Mar 2016
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Document Summary
Water that lies beneath the ground surface in pores between particles of sediments or sedimentary rocks. Is a function of climate, slope, soil and rock type. 30% of canadians rely on groundwater for domestic use. Heavy industry use qc, bc, nwt. Porosity percent of rock or sediment that consists of voids; a measure of rock"s ability to hold water (is affected by lithification, compaction, cement and matrix) Permeability capacity of rock to transmit water through pores and fractures; a measure of interconnectedness of voids. Saturated zone all voids are filled with water. Unsaturated zone voids are filled with air and water. It i said to be perched if isolated saturated zone above the main water table; related to localized zone of impermeable rock or sediment. Groundwater moves in response to differences in pressure and elevation. Has slow velocity relative to surface waters. Velocity is a function of slope of the water table, hydraulic gradient and permeability.
