Aquifer — Science definition
An underground layer of rock or sediment that holds and transmits groundwater, which can be pumped up through wells.
Where it is taught
- Water & Land Resources — Energy, Water & Material Resources, Physics & Environmental Science, Grade 12
Questions using aquifer
Problem 1
An aquifer receives 8 million m³/year recharge, loses 2 million to streams and is pumped at 9 million. Find annual storage change and a limitation of predicting well depth from it.
Answer and explanation
Δstorage=8−2−9=−3 million m³/year. Exact water-level change also needs aquifer geometry, storage properties and spatial pumping/flow patterns.
Δstorage=8−2−9=−3 million m³/year.
Exact water-level change also needs aquifer geometry, storage properties and spatial pumping/flow patterns.
Response criteria
- Use the stated measurements or conditions, with correct units.
- Connect the result to the physical or environmental mechanism or evidence relationship.
- Identify the assumption, model limit or further evidence requested.
Problem 2
Independent chapter check: An aquifer receives8 million m³/year recharge, loses2 million to streams and is pumped at9 million. Find annual storage change and a limitation of predicting well depth from it.
Answer and explanation
Δstorage=8−2−9=−3 million m³/year. Exact water-level change also needs aquifer geometry, storage properties and spatial pumping/flow patterns.
Δstorage=8−2−9=−3 million m³/year.
Exact water-level change also needs aquifer geometry, storage properties and spatial pumping/flow patterns.
Response criteria
- Use the stated measurements or conditions, with correct units.
- Connect the result to the physical or environmental mechanism or evidence relationship.
- Identify the assumption, model limit or further evidence requested.