Porosity and Permeability and Groundwater

Size

A factor that determines porosity. The substance may be large or small

Shape

A factor that determines porosity. The substance may be rounded or angular

Sorted

A factor that determines porosity. The substance may be sorted well, poorly, or unsorted

Clay

A sediment that is impermeable

Sand

A sediment with high porosity

Stalactites

Cave formations which are formed on the ceiling of a cave

Stalagmites

Cave formations which are formed on the floor of a cave

Aquifer

Layer of rock or sediment that allows groundwater to pass freely. It can trap water between permeable and impermeable layers, called aquicludes, sometimes

Glaciers

Most natural fresh water on Earth comes from this source

Gaining

Pond or stream- water is discharged to surface waters from ground water at the point where the water table intersects the surface of the land

Permeability

The ability of water to flow easily through a rock or sediment

Porosity

The percentage of open spaces in a rock or sediment

Infiltration

The seepeage of water into the earth

Column

This is formed when a stalactite and stalagmite join

Aeration

This zone is above the water table- the ground is filled with water and air between rock pore spaces here

Saturation

This zone is the underground area which is saturated with water

Cone of Depression

Too much water is being used and causes water table to drop and ground around well dips down

Well

Used to pull water from water table- pumped by machines

Impermeable

Water cannot pass through a substance said to be___

Artesian Well

Water is under pressure and flows out without pumping

Water Table

ground below is saturated with water and water settles here