This picture above how rainwater filters down to the saturated zone.
Groundwater
You have seen water in lakes, rivers, and even your bathtub. But some water hides below the ground. It’s called groundwater!
If you traveled underground deep enough, you would find that the rocks around you are full with water. That’s deeper than the water table! The water in the rocks is called an aquifer. In dry places, the water table might be very deep, but in moist places it is very shallow. When the water table is higher than the ground, there are streams, rivers, and lakes on the land surface.
Water gets into an aquifer from the surface. Rainwater soaks into the ground and flows down to the water table.
Sometimes pollution gets into groundwater. We need to be careful to protect our water and keep it clean!
Shop Windows to the Universe Science Store!
The
Spring 2010 issue of The Earth Scientist, focuses on the ocean, including articles on polar research, coral reefs, ocean acidification, and climate. Includes a gorgeous full color poster!
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