How to Make an Aquifer With Only a Cup and Gravel

In nature, groundwater aquifers serve as reservoirs for irrigation water and drinking water for millions of people worldwide. Hydro-geology and hydrology are sciences that study groundwater and the water cycle to better understand the ways that water moves into and out of groundwater aquifers and surface water systems. In addition to natural water flow, humans create wells tapping into groundwater resources. When you make a miniature aquifer, you will be able to observe the water table in it and see the water flow between the gravel grains when you tilt your aquifer.

Things You'll Need

• Clear glass or plastic cup
• Gravel
• Water

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Add 4 inches of gravel to the clear plastic cup.

   • 2

     Add water to a depth of 1 inch below the top of the gravel.

   • 3

     Tilt your aquifer in different directions to see how water flows between the grains of gravel.