An artesian well is a remarkable natural water source where water is stored under pressure between layers of impermeable rock or sediment. When the surface is punctured, this water can gush out spontaneously, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps. This phenomenon is particularly fascinating in arid regions.
In December 2023, an extraordinary event occurred in Taranagar village of Jaisalmer district. During tube well drilling, workers encountered an artesian aquifer at a depth of 850 feet. The result was a dramatic release of water that flooded approximately 25 bighas of land due to the high pressure involved. Remarkably, this flow ceased naturally after three days, highlighting the power of artesian systems.
Artesian conditions arise when water is confined under pressure between two impermeable rock layers deep within the Earth. This pressure is maintained until a rupture occurs, releasing the water and allowing it to flow upwards. The dynamics of this process underscore the complex interactions within geological formations.
One significant distinction between artesian water and groundwater from traditional wells is that artesian wells naturally release water due to the pressure, whereas regular wells rely on pumps to extract groundwater. The reservoir for artesian water is often deeper and encased in impermeable rocks, which creates the conditions necessary for maintaining high pressure.
While artesian conditions are not rare in desert areas, the volume and intensity of water flow observed during the incident in Taranagar were unprecedented. Similar occurrences have been documented in other desert regions, such as parts of Rajasthan, Australia, and Africa, demonstrating the potential for significant water resources even in arid environments.
Q1. What is an artesian well?
Answer: An artesian well is a well where water is stored under pressure and flows naturally when the surface is punctured, without needing a pump.
Q2. What happened in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan?
Answer: In December 2023, a tube well drilling in Jaisalmer hit an artesian aquifer, causing water to gush out and flood 25 bighas of land for three days.
Q3. What causes artesian conditions?
Answer: Artesian conditions occur when water is confined under pressure between impermeable rocks, allowing it to flow upward when pressure is released.
Q4. How is artesian water different from groundwater in regular wells?
Answer: Artesian water flows naturally due to pressure, while regular wells require pumps. Artesian reservoirs are deeper and surrounded by impermeable rocks.
Q5. Is it unusual for artesian water to gush out in deserts?
Answer: While not uncommon, the intensity of the flow in Taranagar was unprecedented, with similar events occurring in other desert regions.
Question 1: What characterizes an artesian well?
A) Requires pumping to extract water
B) Water is under pressure and flows naturally
C) Found only in mountainous regions
D) Always dry
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What recent event took place in Jaisalmer?
A) A flood caused by heavy rainfall
B) Discovery of a new aquifer
C) Tube well drilling hit an artesian aquifer
D) A drought declaration
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What is required for artesian water to flow?
A) A pump
B) A rupture in impermeable layers
C) High temperatures
D) Surface water availability
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: How does artesian water differ from traditional groundwater?
A) It is cleaner
B) It requires no external force to flow
C) It is always found in deserts
D) It is less abundant
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Are artesian wells common in desert regions?
A) Yes, but their flow can vary
B) No, they are rare there
C) Yes, always abundant
D) Only during rainy seasons
Correct Answer: A
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