Groundwater Animations
Compiled by Mark Francek (more info) at Central Michigan University
Find animations exploring permeability, groundwater speed,
the hydrologic cycle and groundwater, cone of depression, and geyser eruption.
Permeability, Michigan Tech University: In this Flash animation the permeabilities of four different substrates, gravel, sand, silt, and clay are contrasted. Permeability is the ability to transmit liquid. In this animation substrate permeability range from two minutes for a meter of gravel to two hundred years for clay.
Groundwater Speed, Michigan Tech University: most have little idea on how slow groundwater can move. For this Flash animation, water movement is contrasted for three different environments: river, lake, and aquifer. Whereas the movement of water in a river is depicted as 7 ft/s, movement in an aquifer is only .33 ft/day.
Hydrologic Cycle and Groundwater, Wiley (more info) : A QuickTime animation with accompanying audio outlines the basic pathways associated with the hydrologic cycle. The second part of the video focuses on groundwater, discussing such terms as infiltration, percolation, and groundwater table. Contamination issues are also introduced. The idealized flow lines shown in cross section should be viewed with caution, especially for limestone and glacial terrains where groundwater flow can be much more circuitous. The animation loads slowly.
Cone of Depression, McGraw Hill: A simple Flash animation exhibits the formation of a cone of depression as a result of groundwater overdraft. Contaminants from a nearby landfill are drawn into the cone of depression. At this same page, there are a number of other groundwater animations, including salt water intrusion and the formation of an artesian well. Access the animation by clicking on the "Pumping Well and Cone of Depression" link.
Geyser Eruption, Exploring Earth: This Flash animation uses a cross section to explain geyser eruption. As groundwater enters fractured bedrock, it is heated by nearby magma but is prevented from boiling by the pressure of overlying water. Eventually, the water becomes superheated and is forced upward, pushing water to the surface. The animation can be paused and rewound to emphasize important points.
