What Is Groundwater?

Image: 

Groundwater conditions in different subsoil strata in accordance with [Lauma83] [Image: visaplan GmbH]

Lauma83

Laumanns, Q.: Baugrundtechnische Aspekte bei der offenen und geschlossenen Bauweise. Vortrag HdT Essen, Mai 1983.

DIN4049-3

DIN 4049-3: Hydrologie - Teil 3: Begriffe zur quantitativen Hydrologie (1994-10-00)

1 Open body of water,

2 Sand (1st. Aquifer), 

3 Marl (MG),

4 Sand (2nd. Aquifer),

5 Tailwater,

6 Seepage water

Groundwater is "underground water that fills the cavities of the lithosphere coherently, and moves solely by the force of gravity" [DIN4049-3].

The appearance of water in the subsurface is directly related to the structure of the subsoil. The appearance of water in the soil is distinguished into:

• Seepage water

• Artesian water

• Groundwater (possible in several groundwater layers and with fluctuating pressure conditions)