Water Gushing Out From Underground in Rajasthan
Source: Indian Express
GS III: Environment
Overview
- News in Brief
- What was it?
Why in the News?
Large amounts of water began gushing out from underground in Rajasthan.
News in Brief
- Residents of Taranagar village in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district witnessed a unique phenomenon last month when large amounts of water began gushing out from underground on December 27.
- The water stopped flowing without any external intervention on December 29.
- Scientists pointed to a geological event.
- The 25 bighas of land nearby came under water as well.
What was it?
- Geologists at Rajasthan’s State Ground Water Department, explained the phenomenon as an “artesian condition,” where water flows naturally due to underground pressure.
- Artesian Aquifer
- Artesian aquifer stores water under pressure between impermeable layers of sediment and soil below the Earth’s surface.
- It is also referred to as “confined” water due to the presence of hardy materials above and below it.
- The water is confined in layers of rock or soil, creating pressure that forces it to the surface when tapped.
- Due to the underground pressure, water can flow freely from the well once it is drilled, often without the need for a pump.
- Artesian wells typically tap into deeper underground sources compared to regular wells.
Formation
- Artesian wells are formed when water from a higher elevation is trapped between two impermeable layers, and the pressure from the surrounding rock forces it upward when a hole or well is drilled.
- Artesian wells are commonly found in areas with specific geological conditions, and they can provide a steady flow of water for various uses, including irrigation and drinking water.
Desert region, water is confined underneath a geological layer of sandstone. As soon as the top layer is punctured, water starts flowing upwards due to heavy pressure.
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