Answer :
Final answer:
The zone below the water table that is completely filled with water is the saturated zone. It plays an essential role in groundwater systems, providing water for various uses and maintaining ecological balance. The unsaturated zone exists above it and is not fully saturated with water.
Explanation:
Understanding Groundwater Zones
In hydrology, the zone below the water table that is completely filled with water is referred to as the saturated zone. This zone is crucial in understanding how groundwater systems operate.
Above the saturated zone lies the unsaturated zone, where soil and rock are not completely filled with water and contain air as well. The interface between these two zones is known as the water table, which fluctuates based on the amount of rainfall and other factors.
The saturated zone is important for various reasons:
- Water Supply: It acts as a reservoir of groundwater, which is vital for drinking water and irrigation.
- Environmental Regulation: It helps maintain ecosystems by providing moisture to plants and habitats.
- Contamination Risk: Any pollutants infiltrating this zone can contaminate groundwater sources.
Other options like the low zone or base rock zone are not standard terms used in hydrogeology. Understanding the saturated zone is key to studying groundwater behavior and its impact on the environment.
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