Download 9.2 NOTES What is groundwater? Objective: Explain how

9.2 NOTES
What is groundwater?
Objective: Explain how groundwater collects in soil
Some of the rain or snow that falls to Earth soaks into the soil. Spaces or holes in
the soil are called pores. Water that collects between the bits of rock and soil and
sinks into the ground is called groundwater. About 22% of Earth’s freshwater is
stored as groundwater.
Different kinds of rock and soil can hold different amounts of groundwater.
Loosely packed rock or soil has many pores, and can hold a lot of groundwater.
Tightly packed rock or soil does not have many pores, and can only hold a small
amount of groundwater.
Connected pores make it easier for water to move through. If pores are NOT
connected, the water cannot sink deeper into the ground.
Groundwater sinks down into the soil until it eventually reaches bedrock. When
the pores cannot hold any more water, they become saturated. The upper layer
of saturated soil and rock is called the water table.