Pohjavedeksi

Pohjavedeksi is a Finnish term that translates to "groundwater" in English. It refers to the water found beneath the Earth's surface in the pore spaces of soil and rock. This water originates from precipitation that seeps into the ground, a process known as infiltration. As water moves downwards through the soil and rock layers, it eventually reaches a point where all the available spaces are filled with water. This saturated zone is where groundwater is found.

The upper surface of this saturated zone is called the water table. The depth of the water table can vary significantly depending on factors such as topography, geology, and the amount of rainfall. Groundwater can be stored in underground layers called aquifers, which are permeable rock or sediment formations that can yield significant quantities of water. These aquifers are crucial sources of drinking water for many communities and also play a vital role in maintaining the flow of rivers and streams.

Groundwater is a renewable resource, but its recharge rate can be slow, making it vulnerable to over-extraction and pollution. Sustainable management of groundwater resources is essential to ensure their long-term availability. Human activities such as agriculture, industry, and urban development can impact groundwater quality and quantity through activities like excessive pumping, chemical spills, and improper waste disposal.