EVR 1001 Lecture Notes - Lecture 31: Ogallala Aquifer, Central Arizona Project, Drip Irrigation
Document Summary
Usable fresh water is surprisingly rare- 97% is in the ocean. Groundwater is the major source of fresh water for humans. Most freshwater is locked in glaciers and ice. The problem with unconfined aquifers is that the water is easily contaminated by pesticides or other chemicals. The floridan aquifer is one of the most productive aquifers in the world, and contributes to 70% of the freshwater springs on the planet. Water table: the uppermost water level in an underground area where water fully saturates rock or soil. Recharge: the input process of water percolating in to replenish an aquifer. Springs exist where water from an aquifer naturally percolates up to the surface: florida has over 700 springs, first-fourth magnitude springs are categorized based on their water outflow in cfs. Some springs are growing slimy algae due to nitrate input from farming and septic systems.