Seep (hydrology)

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For other uses, see Seep.
A seep puddle in a forest clearing.

A seep is a moist or wet place where water, usually groundwater, reaches the earth's surface from an underground aquifer.

Description [edit]

Seeps are usually not of sufficient volume to be flowing beyond their above-ground location. They are part of the limnology-geomorphology system. Like a higher volume spring, the water is only from underground sources.

Seeps often form a puddle, and are important for small wildlife, bird, and butterfly habitat and moisture needs. When they support mud-puddling many butterfly (Lepidoptera) species can obtain nutrients such as salts and amino acids, including some types that are endemic endangered species.

Environmental technology [edit]

Seep is often used in environmental sciences to define an exfiltration zone (seepage zone) where contaminated water, e.g., from waste dumps, leaves a waste system area.

Seeps are often important smaller wildlife water sources, and indicated by lower riparian vegetation.

See also [edit]