GEOL 101 Lecture 13: Groundwater and Karst Topography
Document Summary
Define the various zones associated with groundwater. Explain how porosity and permeability are related to groundwater and earth materials. Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between wells and artisian wells. Unending circulation of earth"s water, powered by solar energy. Zone of aeration: voids filled with air. Zone of saturation: voids filled with water. Water table: upper limit of zone of saturation. Gaining stream: stream where water table is higher than stream bed. Losing stream: stream where water table is lower than streambed. Loss of water from stream to water table. Porosity: volume of rock/sediment that consists of pore space (% pore space) Higher porosity: more pores (voids), ex. sandstone. Lower porosity: less pores (voids), ex. shale. Permeability: ability of material to transmit fluid (connectivity of pores) High permeability: water moves through easily, ex. sandston. Low permeability: no movement of water, ex. shale. Hold bored/drilled into subsurface that intersects with the zone of saturation (below the water table)