Aquifers are bodies of saturated rock that allow water movement and can be classified into unconfined and confined types. Unconfined aquifers have direct contact with the atmosphere and receive recharge from rainfall, while confined aquifers are deeper, overlain by impermeable rock that restricts water movement. Common questions about aquifers include their contamination, operation, and how they differ from underground rivers.

1. Reported by: Loven S. Getutua

2. AQUIFER
A body of saturated rock which water can easily move.
Aquifers must be both permeable and porous and
include such rock types as sandstone .

4. TYPES OF AQUIFER

5. UNCONFINED AQUIFERS
CONFINED AQUIFERS

6. Unconfined Aquifers
Where groundwater is in direct contact with the
atmosphere through the open pore spaces of the
overlying soil or rock, then the aquifer is said to be
unconfined. The upper groundwater surface in an
unconfined aquifer is called the water table.

7. Confined Aquifers
Confined aquifers are permeable rock units that are
usually deeper under the ground than unconfined
aquifers. They are overlain by relatively impermeable
rock or clay that limits groundwater movement into, or
out of, the confined aquifer.

8. Unconfined aquifers receive recharge directly from rainfall and surface water
infiltrating downward. Confined aquifers are connected to unconfined areas where
water can flow in.

9. Common Questions

10. Is an aquifer an underground river?

11. How does an aquifer work?

12. Why is Groundwater so clean?

13. How is an aquifer contaminated?

14. REFERENCES:
http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/JMUY
-4Z5262?open
http://www.waterscape.org/projects/vanduo/dw_gen/
grdshort/src/confin2.htm

15. END