Groundwater Basics and Environmental Applications

This lesson covers groundwater basics, including the water table, saturated and unsaturated zones, aquifers (confined and unconfined), recharge, and discharge before introducing the issue of groundwater contamination. Two examples of groundwater contamination are presented: landfill leachate and hydraulic fracturing. (Note: This lesson can be used in conjunction with the Groundwater Pollution Tracing Lesson and Groundwater Pumping: Introduction and Effects Lesson to be used as a unit series covering groundwater and associated concerns).