Which term describes an aquifer where water is under pressure?

Prepare for the IGCSE Environmental Management Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam with tailored practice and resources.

Multiple Choice

Which term describes an aquifer where water is under pressure?

Explanation:
Groundwater under pressure in a confined aquifer is the idea here. When an aquifer is trapped between impermeable layers, recharge occurs at a higher elevation, creating a hydraulic head that pushes the water up. If you drill into this pressurized system, the water can rise to the surface without pumping—that’s what defines an artesian aquifer. The other terms relate to different concepts: arable farming is about growing crops on farmland, the asthenosphere is a layer of the Earth's mantle, and biogas is fuel produced from organic waste.

Groundwater under pressure in a confined aquifer is the idea here. When an aquifer is trapped between impermeable layers, recharge occurs at a higher elevation, creating a hydraulic head that pushes the water up. If you drill into this pressurized system, the water can rise to the surface without pumping—that’s what defines an artesian aquifer. The other terms relate to different concepts: arable farming is about growing crops on farmland, the asthenosphere is a layer of the Earth's mantle, and biogas is fuel produced from organic waste.

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