Fig. 16-CO, p. 446
Jan 18, 2016
Fig. 16-CO, p. 446
Study Guide Chapter 16
1. Explain how the groundwater system operates.2. Describe the zones of aeration and saturation.3. Locate the water table on a diagram.4. Is the water table higher or lower in a humid
climate? Why?5. What is porosity?6. Distinguish between an aquifer and aquiclude.7. What is an artesian well?8. What climate and rocks form karst landforms.9. What are stalactites and stalagmites.
Underground Water and Karst Formations
• Aquifer- A rock formation that stores and transmits water.
• Aquiclude- A rock formation that restricts passage of water and limited storage capacity.
• The ability to store water depends on porosity and permeability.
Porosity and Permeability
• Porosity-Proportion of space between the particles that make up the soil or rock. Affects storage of water.
• Permeability-Ability to allow passage of water through the soil.
Fig. 16-4, p. 450
Soil Types and Aquifer Ability
• AquicludesClay or GraniteRestricts passage of
water
• Good AquifersSand, sandstone,
limestonePorous and Permeable
•Poor Aquifer AbilitySlate, ShaleImpermeable and nonporous
Infiltration
Infiltration
Unconfined aquifer
Confined aquifer
LakeWell requiring a pumpFlowing
artesian well
Runoff
Precipitation
ConfinedRecharge Area
Less permeable materialsuch as clay
Confining permeable rock layer
Unconfined Aquifer Recharge Area
stream
Similar to Fig. 16.5
Fig. 16-7, p. 453
Karst Formations
• Results from chemical action between limestone and water.
• A famous example of a karst formation is Carlsbad Caverns.
stalagmites
stalactites Hold tight from the ceiling