Account for the change in position of the water table in the rainy and dry season
The water table is the level at which subsurface soil or rock is saturated with water. It can vary in depth throughout the year due to changes in precipitation, evaporation, and water usage. During the rainy season, there is typically more precipitation in an area, which can result in increased groundwater recharge and an increase in the water table.
1. Precipitation: During the rainy season, there is a higher amount of rainfall compared to the dry season. This excess water infiltrates into the soil and percolates downward until it encounters an impermeable layer, such as clay or bedrock. This excess water replenishes the groundwater and raises the water table.
2. Runoff: In areas with heavy precipitation, the rainfall may exceed the soil's capacity to hold water, leading to increased runoff. This excess water flows over the land surface and eventually finds its way into streams, rivers, and other water bodies. Some of this runoff also seeps into the ground, raising the water table.
3. Evaporation: During the dry season, the high temperatures and limited rainfall cause water to evaporate from the soil and the surface of water bodies. This evaporation reduces the amount of water available to recharge the groundwater, resulting in a drop in the water table.
4. Water Usage: Human activities such as groundwater pumping for agriculture, industry, and domestic purposes can significantly impact the water table. In areas with high water demand, excessive pumping can deplete the groundwater faster than it can be recharged by natural means, causing the water table to decline.
Overall, the water table fluctuates throughout the year as a result of the ratio between precipitation, evaporation, runoff, and water usage. The rainy season typically leads to an increase in the water table due to increased precipitation and runoff, while the dry season contributes to a decrease in the water table due to higher evaporation rates and reduced recharge.