artesianska

Artesianska is an adjective used to describe things related to artesian wells or artesian waters. The term artesian originates from the French word artesien, which itself derives from Artois, a region in France where early artesian wells were described.

In hydrogeology, an artesian condition occurs when groundwater is confined in a permeable aquifer that is sandwiched between impermeable layers. The recharge area for such an aquifer is at a higher elevation than the point where the water is accessed, creating hydraulic pressure (head) within the confined aquifer. If a well taps this confined aquifer, the internal pressure can raise the water to the surface without pumping. When the pressure is high enough for the water to rise above ground level, the well is called a flowing artesian well; if the water level stays below the surface, the aquifer is artesian but the well is non-flowing.

Artesian conditions are significant for natural water supply and groundwater management. Large artesian systems, such as the Great Artesian Basin in Australia, have historically provided water for towns, agriculture, and industry in arid and semiarid regions. The presence and productivity of artesian wells depend on geology, recharge locations, and sustainable extraction practices, as excessive pumping can reduce hydraulic pressure, lower water tables, and cause subsidence or ecosystem impacts.