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groundwater

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Groundwater is water that is found below the surface of the Earth in the saturated zone. The saturated zone is the area where the pores and cracks in the rocks and soil are filled with water.

Groundwater is a major source of drinking water for people and animals, and it is also used for irrigation and industrial purposes.

Groundwater is formed when rainwater or snowmelt seeps into the ground and is absorbed by soil and rocks. The water then moves slowly through the ground, following the path of gravity.

The rate at which groundwater moves depends on the type of rock or soil that it is flowing through. Groundwater moves more quickly through porous rocks, such as sandstone and limestone, than it does through clay soils.

The amount of groundwater in an area depends on the amount of rainfall or snowmelt that the area receives, as well as the type of rocks and soils that are present.

How can the word be used?

Groundwater can be contaminated by a variety of pollutants, including agricultural chemicals, industrial waste, and sewage.

groundwater

Different forms of the word

Noun: groundwater.

Adjective: groundwater.

Verb: to groundwater.

Synonym: aquifer.

Etymology

The word "groundwater" comes from the Old English words "grund" (ground) and "wæter" (water). The Old English words are thought to be derived from the Proto-Germanic words "grundaz" (ground) and "watōr" (water).

Question

What is groundwater?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

What is groundwater and how does it form?

Answer:

Groundwater is water that is located beneath the Earth's surface in the spaces between rocks and soil. It is a major source of fresh water for humans and animals. Groundwater forms when rainwater and snowmelt percolate through the soil and into the ground. As the water percolates, it dissolves minerals from the soil and rocks, which gives groundwater its characteristic taste and mineral content.

Groundwater is a renewable resource, but it is not infinite. Groundwater is replenished by rainwater and snowmelt, but it can also be depleted by human activities, such as pumping for irrigation and drinking water. Over pumping of groundwater can lead to water shortages and land subsidence.

Here are some additional points that could be included in the answer:

  • Groundwater is found in aquifers, which are underground layers of rock and soil that are saturated with water.
  • Aquifers can be shallow or deep. Shallow aquifers are often found near the surface of the Earth, while deep aquifers can be found hundreds of meters below the surface.
  • The amount of groundwater in an aquifer depends on the amount of rainfall and snowmelt that infiltrates the soil, the permeability of the rock and soil, and the depth of the aquifer.
  • Groundwater is used for drinking water, irrigation, and industrial purposes.
  • Groundwater is a valuable resource that needs to be managed carefully to ensure that it is not depleted.