Water, rivers, lakes

Spatial and temporal distribution of groundwater depends primarily on the geological conditions (rock type, tectonic structures), climate and land use. In the temperate climate, the groundwater recharge depends on precipitation in the non-vegetative period (December till March). Only 10-25 % of precipitation infiltrates to the ground.

Three types of groundwater can be distinguished - fissured-bedrock aquifer, porous aquifer and karst aquifer. Fissured-bedrock aquifers are typically located in the magmatic rocks (e.g. granite) or metamorphic rocks which have a large number of fractures. This type of groundwater is only local  importance. Porous aquifers are located in the porous material with higher permeability such as in unconsolidated sediments (e.g. fluvial sediments) and porous sedimentary rocks (e.g. sandstones). This type of aquifers are regional importance and serve as a drinking water resources for the municipalities. Karst aquifers are located in limestones. The groundwater flows through the system of fissures which originate in dissolution of rock. It is a local importance.

Fig. 1. Groundwater in different sediments and rocks.