Ground Water Level: General Groundwater Concepts

Question 1

What is groundwater?

Answer 1

Groundwater is the water found beneath the Earth’s surface in soil pores and rock fractures, forming the phreatic level or groundwater table.

Question 2

What is hydrostatic pressure?

Answer 2

Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to gravity, increasing with depth.

Question 3

Why does freshwater float on saltwater?

Answer 3

Freshwater has a lower density (1000 kg/m³) than saltwater (1025 kg/m³), so it remains above saltwater.

Question 4

What happens when too much freshwater is drained near coastal areas?

Answer 4

Saltwater intrusion occurs, making land less fertile and contaminating drinking water sources.

Question 5

What is the impact of pumping potable groundwater in cities like Mexico City and Jakarta?

Answer 5

Over-extraction causes severe consolidation, leading to land subsidence and structural damage.