Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park

Groundwater

Distribution and movement of groundwater
Distribution of groundwater
Porosity
Percentage of pore spaces
Determines storage of groundwater
Permeability
Ability to transmit water through connected pore spaces
Aquitard – an impermeable layer of material
Aquifer – a permeable layer of material

Features associated with groundwater
Springs
Hot springs
Water is 6–9° C (10–15° F) warmer than the mean air temperature of the locality
Heated by cooling of igneous rock
Geysers
Intermittent hot springs
Water turns to steam and erupts

Features associated with groundwater
Wells
Pumping can cause a drawdown (lowering) of the water table
Pumping can form a cone of depression in the water table
Artesian wells
Water in the well rises higher than the initial groundwater level