Question

Explain how groundwater is recharged?

Answer 1

Hint: The downward movement of water from surface water towards the ground to increase the groundwater table. This is done by various small holes that help the water to enter into the soil.

Complete answer:

Groundwater recharge also known as deep drainage or deep percolation is a hydrolytic process. Groundwater recharge also helps in preventing the water to move away from the water table and saves it from diminishing. It may take place both naturally as well as artificially. The process of seeping or leaking of water from porous small holes is called infiltration. By this process, the water enters the soil as the soil absorbs it. When the plants do not use the water then they move deeper into the ground. The top layer of the water in the soil, sand, or rock is called the water table. The water in the deep ground will fill the empty spaces and cracks is known as groundwater. When the water seeps from the land and adds to the groundwater then it is called recharge water. When the rainfall occurs it naturally recharges the groundwater or it gets recharge with the help of snowmelt. It is an important process for sustainable groundwater management. Groundwater recharge can also help move the excess salts that accumulate in the root zone to deeper soil layers, or into the groundwater system.

Note: The groundwater recharge can take a few minutes or even years depending upon the depth of the aquifer and the porosity of the material it exists in. It helps in improving the flows of rivers and streams, flood control, and wildlife and bird habitat.