grundvattensystemet

The term grundvattensystemet refers to the interconnected network of groundwater within the Earth's crust. This system encompasses all underground water that is stored in, and moves through, the pore spaces and fractures of soil, sand, gravel, and rock. Groundwater is a vital component of the Earth's hydrological cycle, originating from precipitation that infiltrates the ground.

The movement of groundwater is primarily driven by gravity and pressure gradients, flowing from areas of higher elevation or pressure to areas of lower elevation or pressure. This flow can be slow, often taking years or even centuries to travel significant distances. Aquifers are geological formations that can store and transmit groundwater in sufficient quantities to be useful for water supply. The replenishment of groundwater, known as recharge, occurs when water from rain, snowmelt, or surface water bodies percolates down through the unsaturated zone to reach the saturated zone where the pores are completely filled with water.

Groundwater systems are crucial for maintaining streamflow during dry periods, supporting ecosystems, and providing a significant source of drinking water and irrigation water for human populations worldwide. However, these systems are also vulnerable to pollution from various sources, including agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and faulty septic systems. Sustainable management of grundvattensystemet is therefore essential to ensure its long-term availability and quality.