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