How do surface water and groundwater interact?

Question

Groundwater flows to the surface but never mixes with surface water.
Surface water flows into oceans, but groundwater stays underground forever.
Groundwater flows to the surface but never mixes with surface water.
Surface water can replenish groundwater, and groundwater can feed surface water.

Answer 1

The correct statement is: Surface water can replenish groundwater, and groundwater can feed surface water.

This interaction occurs through processes such as infiltration, where surface water (like rain or streamflow) seeps into the ground and recharges aquifers, and discharge, where groundwater flows up into rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Together, these processes create a dynamic system where both groundwater and surface water affect each other's quantity and quality.