akvifäär

An akvifär is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock, rock fracture, or unconsolidated materials like gravel, sand, or silt from which groundwater can be extracted using a water well. The word akvifär comes from Latin and means "water-carrying". These geological formations must be sufficiently porous and permeable to store and transmit significant quantities of water. The porosity determines how much water the akvifär can hold, while permeability dictates how easily water can flow through it.

Groundwater is replenished in an akvifär through a process called recharge, which typically occurs when precipitation seeps into the ground or when surface water bodies like rivers and lakes infiltrate. Akvifärs can be unconfined, meaning their upper surface is exposed to atmospheric pressure, or confined, where they are trapped between impermeable layers of rock or sediment. Confined akvifärs can be under pressure, leading to artesian wells when tapped.

The study and management of akvifärs are crucial for water resource management, especially in regions where surface water is scarce. Over-extraction from akvifärs can lead to a drop in the water table, land subsidence, and saltwater intrusion in coastal areas. Understanding the characteristics and dynamics of akvifärs is essential for ensuring sustainable groundwater supplies for human consumption, agriculture, and industry.