Groundwater is the water found beneath the Earth's surface in the cracks and spaces between rocks and soil particles. It is stored in and moves slowly through the layers of soil, sand, and rocks called aquifers.
Groundwater is formed from precipitation that seeps into the ground. When rain falls, some of it flows over the land as surface water, and some of it infiltrates into the soil and becomes groundwater.
Groundwater is a vital natural resource that provides water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes. It also sustains streams, rivers, and ecosystems by feeding surface water bodies during dry periods.
Wells are used to access groundwater. A well is a hole dug or drilled into the ground to access the water stored in aquifers. Hand pumps or electric pumps are then used to bring the groundwater to the surface for use.
Understanding the concept of groundwater is important for understanding Earth's water cycle and the importance of preserving and protecting this valuable natural resource.