What is the difference between fractured rock aquifers, sedimentary aquifers and surficial aquifers?
In fractured rock aquifers, groundwater is stored in the fractures, joints, bedding planes and cavities of the rock mass. Water availability is largely dependent on the nature of the fractures and their interconnection. Fractured-rock aquifers are widely distributed near land surface and are highly susceptible to contamination from human activities. Sedimentary aquifers, also called unconsolidated aquifers are highly susceptible to contamination because of high hydraulic conductivity, proximity of water table to land surface, extensive cones of depression in heavily pumped areas, use of abandoned sand and gravel pits as dumps, and because of location in larger valleys, many of which are urbanized and industrialized. In Surficial (surface) aquifers, the groundwater continuously is under unconfined and moves along the hydraulic gradient from areas of recharge to streams and other places of discharge. Surficial aquifers are recharged locally as the water table fluctuates in response to dr
