Adventure #3:
Aquifers and Underground Water
What are aquifers?
Not all water storage is visible. Water from precipitation or from streams and lakes can seep into the rock underground, forming an aquifer, or a source of water within the rock itself. Many aquifers form when water collects inside small holes, or pores, within the rock.
Instead of an underground pond or lake, imagine an aquifer like a giant sponge; it can hold lots of water in tiny holes that can be accessed later!
Watch the video on the right to learn more about how aquifers work.
Groundwater Usage
from Lumen Learning, utilized under the Creative Commons license
Groundwater is one of the most important water sources humans rely on for survival, especially in dry and rural areas. Wells that are dug into the ground reach underground aquifers that then pull the water up to the surface. The largest use of groundwater in the United States is to irrigate crops and maintain lawns, but another large portion is used to supply homes and businesses with running water.
It is important that water departments keep track of water usage in an area to prevent aquifers from becoming depleted, or drained of water, which can lower the water table, or level at which the ground is soaked with water.