Physical Geography

Groundwater Unit Outline

At the end of this unit you will :

be familiar with the essential terminology and landforms associated with ground water.
understand what wells are and how they work.
appreciate the ways in which groundwater can be depleted and polluted.
understand the physical geography behind the Walkerton tragedy.

1. Background information.

View a PowerPoint presentation on what groundwater is and why it is important.

2. Wells and Contamination of Groundwater.

Visit some specific sites to see how wells work, their impacts on their surroundings, and contamination problems.

3. On-line G.I.S. examination of Well contamination.

Oxford County has used G.I.S. to map significant features related to groundwater and possible sources of contamination. Test out a few possible concerns.

4. Walkerton.

Examine the importance of ground water in the Walkerton tragedy.

5. Karst topography.

Learn about some specific features formed when groundwater flows through limestone regions.

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