Water infiltrates the ground to become groundwater primarily through the process of percolation and infiltration, which occurs when water from precipitation (rain or snow) seeps into the soil. Here's a breakdown of how this process works:
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Precipitation: When it rains or snows, the water falls to the ground. Some of this water may run off the surface into rivers and lakes, but a significant portion will move into the ground.
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Infiltration: Once the water hits the ground, it begins to percolate through the soil. This is known as infiltration. The rate at which water infiltrates depends on several factors, including soil type, vegetation, land use, and moisture content.
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Soil and Permeable Layers: As water seeps into the ground, it moves through various soil layers and permeable materials, such as gravel and sand. These layers allow water to flow through them easily.
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Percolation: The water continues to move downward through the soil profile and into the underlying permeable bedrock or aquifers. This movement is called percolation.
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Groundwater Recharge: As the water moves deeper, it fills the spaces, fractures, and pores in the rock and sediment layers, thereby replenishing the groundwater supply. This process is known as groundwater recharge, and it is crucial for maintaining aquifers.
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Storage: Eventually, the water becomes stored as groundwater in aquifers, which are underground layers of water-bearing rock or sediments. These aquifers can hold significant quantities of water, which can later be accessed for human use through wells or springs.
In summary, the correct explanation for how water infiltrates the ground to become groundwater is that "water from rain or snow seeps into the soil and moves through permeable layers."
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