Groundwater Recharge
Groundwater recharge is when water from the surface goes down into the ground. This happens naturally when rain falls or snow melts and the water seeps into the soil. This water fills up spaces and cracks underground, in an area called an aquifer, which is like a big underground storage space for water.
People also help with groundwater recharge. They do this by catching rainwater and guiding it into the ground on purpose. This helps in places where there isn’t a lot of water.
Groundwater recharge has two main types:
- Natural and
- Artificial
Natural recharge happens when water from rain or melted snow goes through the soil and into the ground. It’s like the Earth soaking up water. This type of recharge keeps the groundwater levels stable and ensures that wells, rivers, and lakes have enough water.
Artificial recharge, on the other hand, is when people step in to help the process. This is done in places where natural recharge is not enough to meet our water needs. Methods include:
- Recharge basins: Big, shallow ponds that hold water so it can slowly seep into the ground.
- Injection wells: Pipes that send water straight down into an aquifer.
- Rainwater harvesting: Collecting rainwater from roofs and directing it into the ground.
Groundwater Class 11 Geography Notes
Water is essential for life, and a big part of our water comes from the ground. People use groundwater for drinking, farming, and industry. It’s important to keep groundwater clean because it’s an important source of fresh water.
This article will help you learn about groundwater in detail, including its sources, recharge, and importance.
Groundwater