aquifer: Quick Facts

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Facts

Also Known As	water-bearing stratum

Photos

Diagram showing three stages of saltwater intrusion into a coastal aquifer: the first panel shows normal conditions with a stable interface between ocean saltwater and fresh groundwater; the second shows increased saltwater intrusion and a cone of depression when groundwater is pumped; the third shows how an injection well restores pressure and blocks saltwater intrusion. Labels identify ocean, aquifer, potentiometric surface, and water flow directions.

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Topics

unconfined aquifer confined aquifer saltwater intrusion groundwater spring rock matrix sedimentary rock metamorphic rock igneous rock texture stratification regolith exfoliation cryoseism bedrock

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