Water Table near the Sea:
When you dig a pit on a beach near the sea, you may notice that water rises up at a very small depth. This phenomenon is due to the proximity of the water table to the surface in coastal areas. The water table is the underground boundary between the saturated and unsaturated zones, where the soil and rocks are filled with water.

Factors Affecting Water Table near the Sea:
Several factors contribute to the shallow water table near the sea:
1. Proximity to the ocean: Coastal areas are influenced by the proximity of the sea. The water table in these areas is typically higher due to the infiltration of seawater into the underlying soil and rocks. The constant movement of tides and waves brings water closer to the surface.
2. Porous and permeable soil: Beaches are often composed of sandy and permeable soil, which allows water to infiltrate easily. The high porosity and permeability of the soil enable water to accumulate near the surface, resulting in a shallow water table.
3. Groundwater recharge: The water table near the sea is replenished by precipitation, runoff, and seawater intrusion. These sources contribute to the groundwater recharge, maintaining a relatively high water table in coastal areas.

Differences in Water Table between Coastal and Desert Areas:
The water table near the sea differs significantly from that in deserts due to various factors:
1. Availability of water: Coastal areas receive more rainfall compared to deserts, providing a larger water source for groundwater recharge. In deserts, water is scarce, resulting in a deeper and less accessible water table.
2. Soil composition: Coastal areas often have sandy and permeable soil, allowing water to infiltrate easily and accumulate near the surface. Conversely, deserts usually have sandy or rocky soils with low permeability, making it harder for water to infiltrate and resulting in a deeper water table.
3. Vegetation: Coastal areas often support lush vegetation that aids in water retention and slows down the movement of water. In contrast, deserts have sparse vegetation or even barren landscapes, which contribute to faster water infiltration and lower water tables.
4. Climate: Coastal areas experience a more humid and moist climate compared to deserts, which are characterized by arid and dry conditions. The higher humidity in coastal areas promotes higher water tables, while the aridity in deserts leads to lower water tables.

In conclusion, the water table near the sea is typically shallow due to the influence of factors such as proximity to the ocean, porous soil, and groundwater recharge. It differs from the water table in deserts, which is typically deeper and influenced by factors such as water availability, soil composition, vegetation, and climate.