The figure represents a simplified model of groundwater flow and distribution in an idealized cross-section of the Earth's surface.
What are the features of the groundwater flow ?
The features labeled are:
- Zone of aeration: The uppermost layer of the soil, where the spaces between soil particles are not fully filled with water.
- Zone of saturation: The layer of soil below the water table, where the spaces between soil particles are completely filled with water.
- Groundwater: The water that fills the spaces between soil particles in the zone of saturation.
- Water table: The boundary between the zone of aeration and the zone of saturation.
- Capillary fringe: The zone of soil immediately above the water table, where water is held by the forces of capillary action.
The figure shows how groundwater flows from areas of high elevation to areas of low elevation. The water table is generally located below the land surface, but it may rise to the surface in some areas, such as in wetlands. Aquicludes can prevent groundwater from flowing in certain directions