vesilähteitä

Vesilähteitä, or springs, are natural outlets where groundwater emerges from the ground. They are formed when the water table, the upper level of the saturated zone of soil or rock, intersects the land surface. This can occur in various geological settings, including hillsides, valley floors, and even underwater. The water that emerges from a spring is typically groundwater that has been filtered and purified as it has percolated through the soil and rock layers.

The flow of a spring can vary significantly depending on factors such as rainfall, snowmelt, and the size of the underlying aquifer. Some springs are perennial, flowing year-round, while others are intermittent, appearing only after periods of heavy precipitation. The temperature of spring water is often relatively constant throughout the year, reflecting the stable temperature of the earth at depth.

Springs have been important sources of drinking water and for supporting ecosystems throughout human history. Many settlements were founded near springs due to their reliable water supply. The quality of spring water can vary, and in some cases, it may contain dissolved minerals that impart specific tastes or properties. In some regions, springs are also associated with geological features like tufa deposits, which are formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate from the spring water.