Chapter 19: Problem 9

How is an artesian well different from an ordinary well?

Short Answer

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An artesian well is different from an ordinary well in how water is brought to the surface, its structure, and the geological conditions required. In an ordinary well, a pump is used to draw water up, while in an artesian well, natural pressure forces the water up. Ordinary wells are basic holes in the ground, while artesian wells involve a more sophisticated structure with water confined under a layer of impermeable rock or clay. Furthermore, ordinary wells can be dug anywhere with an accessible water table, whereas artesian wells require specific geological conditions, including a confined aquifer between low-permeability layers and sufficient water pressure.

Step by step solution

Understanding an Ordinary Well

An ordinary well, also known as a dug well, is a man-made hole in the ground that goes deep until it reaches the water table, which is the upper reach of the ground water. It's a basic well which collects water that seep in from the ground. Thus, its water yield depends on the permeability of the soil and the nearness of the water table.

Understanding an Artesian Well

An artesian well, on the other hand, is a type of well that doesn't require a pump to bring the water to the surface. This happens when there is enough pressure in the aquifer. The water in an artesian aquifer is confined under a layer of impermeable rock or clay that is under pressure. When a well is drilled into this confined aquifer, it's the pressure that forces the water, sometimes quite high above the ground.

Comparing the Two Types of Wells

The major difference between the two types of wells lays in how the water is brought to the surface. In an ordinary well, a pump is used to draw water up from the well, while in an artesian well, natural pressure forces the water up. Another difference is their structure; an ordinary well is basically just a hole in the ground, while an artesian well involves a more sophisticated structure, with its water confined under a layer of impermeable rock or clay.

Highlighting the Geological Conditions

The differences also extend to the geological conditions needed for each type of well. Ordinary wells can be dug anywhere the water table is within easy reach. But artesian wells require specialized geological conditions, requiring an aquifer which is confined between layers of low-permeability rock or clay and where the water is under enough pressure to be forced up the well. In conclusion, though both types of wells serve the same primary purpose - to provide water, the manner in which they do so, their structures, and the geological conditions necessary for their existence are the main differentiating factors.

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How is an artesian well different from an ordinary well?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding an Ordinary Well

Understanding an Artesian Well

Comparing the Two Types of Wells

Highlighting the Geological Conditions

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