This animated infographic shows how aquifer compaction can lead to land subsidence. When water is pumped from a confined aquifer faster than it can recharge, the water pressure in the aquifer begins to decrease. As water pressure decreases, both the confining layers and the aquifers themselves can start to compact under the weight of the overlying sediments.
Aquifer compaction and land subsidence (smaller)
![An animated infographic showing how groundwater depletion in a confined aquifer can lead to aquifer compaction and subsidence](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/media/images/AquiferCompaction_508Blue_crop_smaller_0.gif?itok=Ln7CJ5Qz)
Detailed Description
This animated infographic shows how aquifer compaction can lead to land subsidence. When water is pumped from a confined aquifer faster than it can recharge, the water pressure in the aquifer begins to decrease. As water pressure decreases, both the confining layers and the aquifers themselves can start to compact under the weight of the overlying sediments. This causes subsidence at the surface.
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.