Groundwater

Groundwater is the water found beneath the Earth's surface in the spaces between soil particles and in the cracks and crevices of rocks. It is one of the most important sources of fresh water on Earth, providing drinking water for people and water for irrigation and industrial uses.

Formation of Groundwater

Groundwater is formed when precipitation, such as rain or snow, seeps into the ground. This water is pulled downward by gravity and fills the spaces between soil particles and rocks. The top layer of the Earth's surface where water fills all the spaces between particles is called the saturated zone.

Properties of Groundwater

Groundwater moves very slowly through the ground, at a rate of only a few feet per year. The speed of movement depends on the type of material the water is moving through, such as sand, gravel, or rock.

Groundwater can also be found in underground layers of rock called aquifers. Aquifers are like underground reservoirs that hold vast amounts of water. They can be a few feet or hundreds of feet thick, and they can stretch for miles beneath the Earth's surface.

Importance of Groundwater

Groundwater is an important source of water for drinking, agriculture, and industry. It also plays a crucial role in sustaining ecosystems by providing water to rivers, lakes, and wetlands, especially during dry periods when surface water may be scarce.

Study Guide

1. What is groundwater and where is it found?
2. How is groundwater formed?
3. What is the saturated zone?
4. What are aquifers and how do they function?
5. Why is groundwater important?

Understanding groundwater is essential for comprehending the water cycle and the availability of fresh water resources. It also plays a critical role in environmental conservation and sustainable water management.

[Groundwater] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Groundwater ResourcesScience • Sixth Grade
• Earth's Fresh WaterScience • Sixth Grade