Explore the crucial topic of groundwater in this 52-minute lecture. Delve into the geological importance, distribution, and movement of groundwater beneath Earth's surface. Learn about aquifers, wells, and springs, as well as monitoring techniques for water tables. Examine factors influencing groundwater storage and movement through porosity demonstrations and hypothetical flow systems. Investigate environmental challenges such as saltwater contamination and sinkholes. Discover the geologic work of groundwater, including the formation of caves and karst topography. Gain insights into city water systems, artesian wells, and the High Plains Aquifer. Access additional resources from Maryland Geological Survey, USGS, and EPA to enhance your understanding of this vital component of Earth's freshwater system.
Overview
Syllabus
Earth Science 15th Edition
Earth's Freshwater
Importance of Groundwater . Geological Importance of Groundwater
Distribution of Groundwater
Water Beneath Earth's Surface
Monitoring the Water Table
Factors Influencing the Storage and Movement of Groundwater
Porosity Demonstration
Unconfined Aquifers
Groundwater Movement
Hypothetical Groundwater Flow System
Wells
Cone of Depression
Artesian Systems
A Classic Artesian System
City Water Systems
Springs, Hot Springs, and Geysers
Rainbow Springs
High Plains Aquifer
Environmental Problems
That Sinking Feeling!
Saltwater Contamination
Comparing Two Aquifers
Potential Sources of Contamination
The Geologic Work of Groundwater
Mammoth Cave
Cave Decorations
Karst Topography
Development of a Karst Landscape
Sinkholes
Tower Karst
Taught by
Sven Holbik
