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An aquifer confined at the bottom, but NOT at the top is called
  • a)
    Semiconfined aquifer
  • b)
    Unconfined aquifer
  • c)
    Confined aquifer
  • d)
    Perched aquifer
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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An aquifer confined at the bottom, but NOT at the top is calleda)Semic...
**Unconfined Aquifer**

An aquifer is a geological formation that contains and transmits groundwater. It can be classified based on its hydraulic properties and the geological formations surrounding it. One such classification is based on its confinement, which refers to the ability of the aquifer to transmit water.

An unconfined aquifer is a type of aquifer that is not confined at the top. It is also known as a water table aquifer. This means that the water table, which is the upper surface of the groundwater, is free to rise and fall based on natural processes such as rainfall and evaporation. The water in an unconfined aquifer is under atmospheric pressure.

**Characteristics of an Unconfined Aquifer:**

1. **No Upper Confining Layer:** In an unconfined aquifer, there is no impermeable layer of rock or soil above the water table. This allows precipitation to infiltrate through the surface and recharge the aquifer. It also means that the water table is in direct contact with the atmosphere.

2. **Water Table Fluctuations:** The water table in an unconfined aquifer can rise and fall depending on the balance between recharge and discharge. During periods of heavy rainfall or recharge, the water table may rise, while during dry periods or excessive pumping, the water table may decline.

3. **Vulnerable to Contamination:** Because there is no confining layer at the top, unconfined aquifers are more susceptible to contamination from surface pollutants. Pollutants can easily infiltrate through the unsaturated zone and reach the water table, potentially impacting the quality of the groundwater.

4. **Ease of Access:** Since there is no confining layer, it is relatively easier to access water from an unconfined aquifer compared to a confined aquifer. Wells can be drilled directly into the water table, allowing for the extraction of water for various purposes, such as irrigation or domestic use.

In summary, an unconfined aquifer is a type of aquifer that is not confined at the top. It is characterized by a fluctuating water table, vulnerability to contamination, and relatively easy access to groundwater.
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An aquifer confined at the bottom, but NOT at the top is calleda)Semic...
Unconfined aquifer: 
  • An unconfined aquifers is one in which the water table forms the upper surface of zone of saturation.
  • The term unconfined signifies the absence of any geological layer confining the zone of saturation (above the water table).
  • The unconfined aquifer is in direct contact with atmosphere through the zone of aeration. At the water table, the hydraulic pressure head or ground water pressure head is equal to atmospheric pressure (i.e. zero).
  • This aquifer is also known as water table aquifer or phreatic aquifer.
Confined aquifer:
  • The confined aquifer a geological formation qualifying as an aquifer is overlained by a impermeable layer or an aquiclude. 
  • The confining layers show very low intrinsic permeability (k).Here the overlying layer acts as layer confining the underlying aquifer.
  • The water in the confined aquifer is not in direct contact with the
    atmosphere. This is because of the presence of confining layer overlying the confined aquifer.
Semiconfined aquifer:
  • An aquifer partially confined by soil layers of low permeability through which recharge and discharge can still occur.
  • Semi-confined aquifers can usually be located between aquifers and the ground surface with the water seeping into via the internal layers to move freely through the main aquifers.
Perched aquifer:
  • A special case of unconfined aquifer is known as perched aquifer. A perched aquifer is formed when the infiltrated rain water is intercepted within the zone of Aeration by an impermeable layer and a local zone of saturation is formed.
  • The upper surface of such local zone of saturation is known as perched water table. The perched aquifer occurs at higher elevation than the regional water table.

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An aquifer confined at the bottom, but NOT at the top is calleda)Semiconfined aquiferb)Unconfined aquiferc)Confined aquiferd)Perched aquiferCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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