Water beneath the Earth’s surface in soil pores and rock fractures. Groundwater is invisible but accounts for a vast share of freshwater resources, making it critical for water supply and ecosystem support.
Scope
- Groundwater levels: Monitoring well data, piezometric surfaces, hydraulic head
- Aquifer characteristics: Permeability, transmissivity, storage coefficient, aquifer boundaries
- Groundwater flow: Flow direction and velocity, recharge zones, discharge areas (springs)
- Groundwater–surface water interaction: Base flow contribution to rivers, spring-fed wetlands
Cross-Sphere Connections
- Lithosphere: Aquifer geometry is determined by geological formations — Geology
- Pedosphere: Infiltration through soil recharges groundwater — Soil Properties
- Socio-Technical: Water abstraction volumes — Resource Utilisation
Classical Theme Mappings
| Standard | Theme | Link |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 19115 | Inland Waters | |Inland Waters |
| INSPIRE | Hydrography | |Hydrography |
| UN-GGIM | Water | |Water |