Aquifer: A subsurface rock or sediment unit that is porous and permeable. To be an aquifer it must have these traits to a high enough degree that it stores and transmits useful quantities of water.

 

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Aquifer: An underground water-bearing layer of rock, including gravel and sand, that will yield water in usable quantity. Aquifers are sources of water for wells and springs.

Aquifer (Unconfined): An aquifer that is not overlain by an impermeable rock unit. The water in this aquifer is under atmospheric pressure and is recharged by precipitation that falls on the land surface directly . . . View Full Definition

Aquifer (Artesian): An aquifer that is bounded above and below by impermeable rock or sediment layers. The water in the aquifer is also under enough pressure that, when the aquifer is tapped by a well, the wate . . . View Full Definition

Aquifer (Confined): An aquifer that is bounded above and below by impermeable rock or sediment layers. There may or may not be enough pressure in the aquifer to make it an 'artesian aquifer'.

Ground Water Recharge Area: A location where surface water or precipitation can infiltrate into the ground and replenish the water supply of an aquifer.

Recharge: Water added to an aquifer or other water body. An aquifer is recharged by precipitation in an area where the aquifer has a porous connection to the surface.

Recharge Area: The geographic area where water infiltrates into the ground and enters an aquifer.

Flowing Well: A well that taps an aquifer that is under enough pressure to force water to the surface. Caused when the aquifer has a recharge area at a higher elevation.

Artesian Well: A well that penetrates an aquiclude to reach an aquifer containing water under pressure. Thus water in the well rises above the surrounding water table.

Irrigation Return Flow: Part of artificially applied water that is not consumed by plants or evaporation, and that eventually 'returns' to an aquifer or surface water body, such as a lake or stream. Commonly used w . . . View Full Definition