Definition: "Aquifer" in Greek literally means "well." It refers to a groundwater source that permeates the ground surface, allowing water to flow through it and storing enough underground water for long periods without running out. The term generally refers to aquifers that are not easily accessible by humans (like the ones found in wells or springs), yet they can be found on land. Aquifer is also used as a term for underground reservoirs of water, such as reservoirs, groundwater tanks, and dams used to store water during drought periods. For instance, the "aquifer" that holds underground water for a long period is called an aquifer storage system or an aquifer reservoir. In both contexts, this means the underground space where water resides. The term comes from Greek roots meaning well, well-drilled (meaning water was previously drained) and it describes an area of land that has been dug to provide access for drinking, irrigation, transportation, and other purposes.

aquifer

Definition: Aquiferous refers to a type of rock or sediment that holds water in the Earth's crust, which makes it possible for water to flow underground. It is composed of two main layers - the upper layer, known as the permeable matrix, and the lower layer, called the aquifer itself. Water can flow through the permeable matrix when pressure changes, leading to groundwater flow. Aquifers are important in sustaining life on Earth. They provide a stable supply of water that allows ecosystems to survive and thrive by filtering pollutants, supporting plant growth, and providing drinking water for communities.

aquiferous

Definition: Aquifer is a term describing underground water sources, typically found in lakes, rivers, aquifers (oil and gas reservoirs) and boreholes. They are formed by groundwater that has been trapped or seeped into the earth's layers over time, providing essential groundwater for life on Earth. Aquifers can be used to sustain human use such as agriculture, drinking water, and other utilities.

aquifers