SCI CHP 15: Part 2 - Groundwater Movement Factors & Influences

Front

What is porosity?

Back

Porosity is the amount of water a sediment can hold.

Front

What is permeability?

Back

Permeability is the ability of a material to allow fluids to pass through it.

Front

How does clay affect groundwater movement?

Back

Clay has high porosity but low permeability, meaning it can hold a lot of water but does not allow it to flow easily.

Front

What determines how much water soil can take in?

Back

Porosity determines how much water the soil can take in.

Front

What determines how fast water can move underground?

Back

Permeability and gravity determine how fast water can move underground.

Front

Which factor does NOT affect groundwater movement?

Back

Viscosity does NOT affect groundwater movement.

Front

What is the relationship between porosity and permeability in sandy soils?

Back

Sandy soils typically have high porosity and high permeability, allowing them to hold and transmit water effectively.

Front

What is the significance of gravity in groundwater movement?

Back

Gravity influences the direction and speed of groundwater flow.

Front

How does soil texture affect porosity and permeability?

Back

Soil texture affects porosity and permeability; for example, coarse-textured soils have higher permeability than fine-textured soils.

Front

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated zones?

Back

The saturated zone is where all the pores are filled with water, while the unsaturated zone contains both air and water in the pores.