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Aquifer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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aquifer

[ˈækwɪfər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

underground water source

An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing rock or sediment that stores and transmits water. Aquifers are crucial sources of water for wells and springs, providing water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial uses.

Synonyms

underground water table, water reservoir, water source.

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Word Description / Examples
aquifer

Used in geological or hydrological discussions to describe a body of permeable rock that can contain or transmit groundwater.

  • The town drills wells to tap into the aquifer for their drinking water.
  • Researchers are studying the aquifer to understand its capacity during droughts.

Examples of usage

  • The city relies on the aquifer for its drinking water supply.
  • Farmers use water from the aquifer to irrigate their crops.
  • The aquifer in this region is being depleted due to overuse.
  • Pollution can contaminate aquifers, affecting water quality.
  • Aquifer depletion can lead to land subsidence.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Environmental Science

  • Aquifers can be recharged naturally through rainfall that seeps into the ground, helping to maintain the water supply.
  • They provide drinking water for more than 2 billion people worldwide, proving vital for both urban and rural communities.
  • Over-extraction of water from aquifers can lead to land subsidence, causing the ground to sink and potentially damaging infrastructure.

Geology

  • There are two main types of aquifers: unconfined, which are directly replenished by surface water, and confined, which are trapped between impermeable layers.
  • Aquifers can store significant amounts of water; some can hold enough to supply cities for decades if managed properly.
  • Groundwater from aquifers is typically cleaner than surface water, being filtered naturally through layers of soil and rock.

Cultural Significance

  • Many ancient civilizations, such as the Maya and the Persians, built sophisticated systems to access aquifers for agriculture and daily use.
  • In arid regions, some communities depend exclusively on aquifers, shaping their culture around water conservation and management.

Importance in Climate Change

  • Aquifers play a crucial role in buffering against the effects of droughts, providing a backup water supply when surface water is scarce.
  • As climate change impacts weather patterns, the reliance on aquifers may increase, highlighting the need for sustainable management practices.

Origin of 'aquifer'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'aquifer' comes from the Latin words 'aqua' meaning water and 'ferre' meaning to bear or carry.
  • The word has been used in English since at least the early 19th century, reflecting the importance of groundwater studies.

The word aquifer originates from the Latin words aqua, meaning water, and ferre, meaning to bear or carry. The concept of aquifers has been known and utilized by civilizations for centuries, with ancient societies tapping into underground water sources for sustenance and agriculture. Today, aquifers play a vital role in global water supply, with careful management needed to ensure sustainable use.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,151, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.