Glossary G
Deutsch: Grundwasser / Español: Agua subterránea / Português: Água subterrânea / Français: Eau souterraine / Italiano: Acqua sotterranea
Ground water is the water found beneath the Earth's surface in soil pores and rock fractures. It is a crucial part of the hydrological cycle and serves as a major source of drinking water, irrigation, and industrial use. It accumulates through precipitation that infiltrates the ground and is stored in underground aquifers, which can be tapped through wells and springs.
A Ground water recharge is the use of reclaimed wastewater, by surface spreading or direct injection, to prevent saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers, to store the reclaimed water for future use, to control or prevent ground subsidence, and to augment nonpotable or potable ground water aquifers (USEPA, l991a).
Ground-Truthing is the use of an on-the-land survey to confirm the findings of an aerial survey or to calibrate quantitative aerial or satellite observations.
Deutsch: Grundfisch / Español: Pescado de fondo / Português: Peixe de fundo / Français: Poisson de fond / Italiano: Pesce di fondale /
Groundfish is a general term referring to fish that live on or near the sea floor. groundfish are also
Deutsch: Grundwasserverschmutzung / Español: Contaminación de aguas subterráneas / Português: Contaminação de águas subterrâneas / Français: Pollution des eaux souterraines / Italiano: Contaminazione delle acque sotterranee
Groundwater contamination refers to the degradation of groundwater quality due to the introduction of harmful substances, rendering it unsafe for human consumption or ecological functions. This environmental issue arises from both anthropogenic activities and natural processes, with long-term consequences for public health, ecosystems, and water security. As groundwater constitutes approximately 30% of the world's freshwater resources, its protection is critical for sustainable development and resilience against climate change.