Seep (hydrology)

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

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

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

• Aquifer
• Mud-puddling
• Puddle
• Rill
• Riparian zone restoration
• Spring (hydrosphere)
• Soil mechanics: Permeability and seepage

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