Glossary G
Deutsch: Grundwasser / Español: Agua subterránea / Português: Água subterrânea / Français: Eau souterraine / Italiano: Acqua sotterranea
Ground water is the water found beneath the Earth's surface in soil pores and rock fractures. It is a crucial part of the hydrological cycle and serves as a major source of drinking water, irrigation, and industrial use. It accumulates through precipitation that infiltrates the ground and is stored in underground aquifers, which can be tapped through wells and springs.
A Ground water recharge is the use of reclaimed wastewater, by surface spreading or direct injection, to prevent saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers, to store the reclaimed water for future use, to control or prevent ground subsidence, and to augment nonpotable or potable ground water aquifers (USEPA, l991a).
Ground-Truthing is the use of an on-the-land survey to confirm the findings of an aerial survey or to calibrate quantitative aerial or satellite observations.