Water seepage may enrich / deplete the soil minerals.

How does water seep underground?
Water seeps underground through a process called **infiltration**. This occurs when water on the surface (e.g., rain, ponds, or rivers) moves downward through soil and rock layers due to gravity. The rate of seepage depends on factors like soil porosity, permeability, and the presence of cracks or fractures in rocks.
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*2. Which soil types are the best to allow seepage?*
**Sandy soils**: Highly permeable due to large pore spaces, allowing water to seep quickly.
**Gravelly soils**: Even more permeable than sand, with large gaps between particles.
**Loamy soils**: Moderate permeability, combining sand, silt, and clay.
**Clay soils**: Least permeable due to tiny pore spaces, which restrict water flow.
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*3. What can be done to stop seepage from a pond?*
**Clay lining**: Adding a layer of impermeable clay to the pond bed.
**Synthetic liners**: Using materials like geomembranes or rubber liners.
**Bentonite**: A natural clay that swells when wet, sealing cracks and pores.
**Compaction**: Compacting the soil to reduce pore spaces.
**Concrete lining**: Pouring concrete to create an impermeable barrier.
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*4. What can be done to enhance seepage in a well?*
**Well development**: Cleaning the well to remove fine particles clogging the pores.
**Hydrofracturing**: Injecting water under high pressure to widen fractures in the surrounding rock.
**Gravel packing**: Adding gravel around the well screen to improve water flow.
**Increasing well depth**: Drilling deeper into more permeable layers.
**Chemical treatments**: Using acids or other chemicals to dissolve blockages in the aquifer.
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*5. What changes take place in seepage channels over time?*
**Clogging**: Fine particles like silt or clay can accumulate, reducing permeability.
**Erosion**: Water flow can widen channels, increasing seepage initially but potentially causing instability.
**Mineral deposition**: Dissolved minerals can precipitate, narrowing or blocking channels.
**Biological growth**: Roots or microorganisms can obstruct flow.
**Structural changes**: Soil compaction or settling can alter the pathways for water.
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*6. What is the effect of water flow on underground channels?*
**Erosion**: Fast-moving water can erode soil and rock, enlarging channels.
**Deposition**: Slower water flow can deposit sediments, reducing channel size.
**Channel formation**: Over time, water flow can create distinct pathways, such as underground streams or karst systems.
**Pressure changes**: High water flow can increase pressure, forcing water into new areas.
**Chemical changes**: Water can dissolve minerals, altering the structure of underground channels.