Fossil water: Difference between revisions
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The [[Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System]] is among the most notable of fossil water reserves. Fossil aquifers also exist in the [[Sahara]], the [[Kalahari Desert|Kalahari]], and the [[Ogallala Aquifer|Ogallala]] underlying the US Great Plains. A further potential store of ancient water is [[Lake Vostok]], a [[subglacial lake]] in Antarctica. |
The [[Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System]] is among the most notable of fossil water reserves. Fossil aquifers also exist in the [[Sahara]], the [[Kalahari Desert|Kalahari]], and the [[Ogallala Aquifer|Ogallala]] underlying the US Great Plains. A further potential store of ancient water is [[Lake Vostok]], a [[subglacial lake]] in Antarctica. |
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Fossil water is a [[non-renewable resource]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drinking-water.org/html/en/Sources/Fossil-Water-in-Libya.html|title=Fossil Water in Libya|publisher= |
Fossil water is a [[non-renewable resource]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drinking-water.org/html/en/Sources/Fossil-Water-in-Libya.html|title=Fossil Water in Libya|publisher=drinking-water.org |accessdate=January 24, 2010}}</ref> Whereas most aquifers are naturally replenished by infiltration of water from [[Precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]], fossil aquifers get very little recharge.<ref name=elmhurst/> The extraction of water from such non-replenishing [[groundwater]] reserves (known as low safe-yield reserves) is known in [[hydrology]] as "water [[mining]]".<ref>[http://www.crh.noaa.gov/dtx/glossary/g.php NOAA glossary detailing 'Ground Water Mining']</ref> If water is pumped from a well at a withdrawal rate that exceeds the natural recharge rate (which is very low or zero for a fossil aquifer), the [[water table]] drops, forming a depression in the water levels around the well.<ref name=elmhurst>{{cite web|url=http://elmhcx9.elmhurst.edu/~chm/onlcourse/chm110/outlines/pumpwater.html|title=Water Table Draw Down or Groundwater "Mining"}}</ref> |
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==Climatic effects of aquifer depletion== |
==Climatic effects of aquifer depletion== |
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Revision as of 07:46, 17 June 2012
Fossil water or paleowater is groundwater that has remained sealed in an aquifer for a long period of time. Water can rest underground in "fossil aquifers" for thousands or even millions of years. When changes in the surrounding geology seal the aquifer off from further replenishing from precipitation, the water becomes trapped within, and is known as fossil water.
The Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System is among the most notable of fossil water reserves. Fossil aquifers also exist in the Sahara, the Kalahari, and the Ogallala underlying the US Great Plains. A further potential store of ancient water is Lake Vostok, a subglacial lake in Antarctica.
Fossil water is a non-renewable resource.[1] Whereas most aquifers are naturally replenished by infiltration of water from precipitation, fossil aquifers get very little recharge.[2] The extraction of water from such non-replenishing groundwater reserves (known as low safe-yield reserves) is known in hydrology as "water mining".[3] If water is pumped from a well at a withdrawal rate that exceeds the natural recharge rate (which is very low or zero for a fossil aquifer), the water table drops, forming a depression in the water levels around the well.[2]
Climatic effects of aquifer depletion
Aquifer drawdown or overdrafting and the pumping of fossil water increases the total amount of water in the hydrosphere, and may be responsible for up to one quarter of the Earth's total sea level rise since the beginning of the 20th century.[4]
See also
Notes
- ^ "Fossil Water in Libya". drinking-water.org. Retrieved January 24, 2010.
- ^ a b "Water Table Draw Down or Groundwater "Mining"".
- ^ NOAA glossary detailing 'Ground Water Mining'
- ^ "Rising sea levels attributed to global groundwater extraction". University of Utrecht. Retrieved February 8, 2011.
References
- ""Fossil Water" in Libya". NASA Earth Observatory newsroom. Retrieved 2006-04-27.
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