What is groundwater primarily characterized by?

Groundwater is primarily characterized by subsurface water flow. It refers to the water that is found beneath the earth's surface in soil pore spaces and in fractures of rock formations. This water moves through the soil and rock, contributing to aquifers which can serve as sources of fresh water.

Understanding the characteristics of groundwater is crucial in the context of water resources management, groundwater contamination, and land use planning. Unlike surface water, which can be influenced by direct precipitation and evaporation from the ground and bodies of water, groundwater exists below the surface and is less subject to short-term variations in weather.

This subsurface environment plays a critical role in hydrology, as it interacts with surface water systems, contributing to the base flow of rivers, influencing wetland hydrology, and supporting ecosystems.