Grundwasserflüsse

Grundwasserflüsse refers to the movement of water beneath the Earth's surface. This underground water, known as groundwater, exists in porous rock and soil layers called aquifers. The movement is driven by gravity and pressure differences within the aquifer. Groundwater flows slowly from areas of higher elevation or pressure to areas of lower elevation or pressure. This flow can be influenced by the permeability of the geological formations, meaning how easily water can pass through them.

The rate of groundwater flow is typically much slower than surface water flow, often measured in meters per day or even less. Factors such as the gradient of the water table, the size and interconnectedness of pore spaces, and the presence of confining layers all affect the speed and direction of groundwater movement. Groundwater flows eventually discharge into surface water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans, or emerge as springs. Understanding groundwater flow is crucial for managing water resources, predicting the spread of contaminants, and assessing the impact of human activities like well pumping and groundwater extraction. It is a fundamental concept in hydrogeology.