Groundwater: meaning, definitions and examples
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groundwater
[ ˈɡraʊndˌwɔːtər ]
water source
Groundwater is water that is held underground in the soil or in pores and fractures of rock. It is a key component of the hydrological cycle and provides a significant source of freshwater for drinking, agriculture, and industry. Often found in aquifers, groundwater can be accessed through wells and springs.
Synonyms
aquifer water, subsurface water, well water.
Examples of usage
- Farmers rely on groundwater for irrigation in dry seasons.
- Contamination of groundwater can lead to serious health issues.
- Testing groundwater levels helps in understanding drought conditions.
Translations
Translations of the word "groundwater" in other languages:
🇵🇹 água subterrânea
🇮🇳 भूमिगत जल
🇩🇪 Grundwasser
🇮🇩 air tanah
🇺🇦 підземні води
🇵🇱 wody gruntowe
🇯🇵 地下水
🇫🇷 eau souterraine
🇪🇸 agua subterránea
🇹🇷 yeraltı suyu
🇰🇷 지하수
🇸🇦 المياه الجوفية
🇨🇿 podzemní voda
🇸🇰 podzemná voda
🇨🇳 地下水
🇸🇮 podzemna voda
🇮🇸 grunnvatn
🇰🇿 жерар суы
🇬🇪 ქვედა წყლები
🇦🇿 yeraltı suyu
🇲🇽 agua subterránea
Etymology
The term 'groundwater' combines the words 'ground' and 'water.' 'Ground' comes from the Old English 'grund,' meaning the solid surface of the earth or the bottom of a body of water. 'Water' is derived from the Old English 'wæter,' which can be traced back to Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European roots. Groundwater has been an important resource for humans throughout history, as underground aquifers have provided drinking water and irrigation for thousands of years. Understanding groundwater's role in the environment has become increasingly important with the rise of industrialization and urbanization, making the study of hydrology critical for sustainable resource management.