1_02: Groundwater

Many components of the groundwater cycle is found through the study of the water cycle. 

Evaporation

Evaporation is the process of surface water being heated by the sun, thus turning into vapor. This water vapor is less dense then the air, rising into the atmosphere.

From evaporation, we experience transpiration. In transpiration, water is released by the plants, taking in the heat from evaporation, and creates a cooling effect on the plant. 

Next, the cycle goes to condensation. During condensation, water collects as droplets on a cold surface when it is collided with the humid air.Thus forming clouds, as it combines with dust particles in the air.  As a result, the vapor in the air transforms into a liquid, or precipitation, through rain. 

As we continue through our cycle, we hit infiltration/runoff.
The infiltration is when water soaks into the ground. As this groundwater supply replenishes, it recharges. Whatever is not infiltrated turns into runoff, which goes to another body of water.

REAL WORLD PROBLEMS SURROUNDING GROUND WATER
1) Contamination
When water is contaminated, it becomes unclean for consumption and can cause the consumer to get very sick if it is filled with unknown diseases. For example, if a group of people rely on well water as their primary water source, if it is contaminated, all those that enjoy this water could get very sick.
2) SinkholesIf an is flooded (too much water in a given area), then a sinkhole can form. When the ground becomes so filled with water, the underlying dirt and rock continues to pile up, creating a weak ground below that will cause the ground below to eventually sink because of its instability.
3) QualityThe overall quality of the water can be compromised if debris and other pollutants pile up in the source. If the quality of the water is compromised, then it limits its ability to be used practically, which causes people to use other sources of water, which can create a competitive problem.