Why does groundwater move

The groundwater slowly moves through the spaces and cracks between the soil particles on its journey to lower elevations. This movement of water underground is called groundwater flow. Eventually, after years of underground movement, the groundwater comes to a discharge area where it enters a lake or stream and becomes surface water.

The diagram provides an example of how this works. As well, the amount of time that it takes for water to move through the subsurface is highly variable and dependant on the nature of the sediments it is flowing through and the magnitude of the hydraulic potential.

In some cases, groundwater can move from an upland area, to a receiving water body in a matter of days. In other instances, it can take years, decades or even thousands to millions of years to move large distances. Because the groundwater system is dynamic and replenished annually by recharge, one can consider groundwater as a renewable resource. When the water table rises above the ground, the groundwater discharges to the surface and becomes surface water.

Also, when the water table drops, surface water can recharge the groundwater. An aquifer is an area of underground soil or rock that is filled with water. An aquifer can supply water to a drinking water well. Throughout New England there are two types of aquifers used to supply drinking water. Gippsland region map. Groundwater use in Gippsland. Groundwater and the environment in Gippsland. Groundwater levels in Gippsland. Salinity and yield of groundwater in Gippsland.

Geology of aquifers in Gippsland. South West region map. Groundwater use in the South West. Groundwater and the environment in the South West. Groundwater levels in the South West. Salinity and yield of groundwater in the South West. Geology of aquifers in the South West. Get a licence. Hot topics. Contact us.