Hydrologie: Aktuelle Forschung

Ensuring the Sustainable Management of Groundwater

Abstract

Ruth Varner*

Groundwater refers to the water that is found beneath the Earth's surface. It is stored in the soil, rocks, and in the gaps between them. It is one of the most important natural resources on Earth as it provides drinking water, irrigation water, and supports many ecosystems. Groundwater is formed through a process called infiltration. When it rains, the water falls onto the ground and either evaporates back into the atmosphere or is absorbed into the soil. Some of this water percolates down through the soil and rocks until it reaches the water table, which is the level below which the soil and rocks are completely saturated with water.