Artesian Well
An artesian well is a deep drilled well through which water
is forced upward under pressure. The water in an artesian well flows from an
aquifer, which is a layer of very porous rock or sediment, usually sandstone,
capable of holding and transmitting large quantities of water. The geologic
conditions necessary for an artesian well are an inclined aquifer sandwiched
between impervious rock layers above and below that trap water in it. Water
enters the exposed edge of the aquifer at a high elevation and percolates
downward through interconnected pore spaces. The water held in these spaces is
under pressure because of the weight of water in the portion of the aquifer
above it. If a well is drilled from the land surface through the overlying
impervious layer into the aquifer, this pressure will cause the water to rise
in the well. In areas where the slope of the aquifer is great enough, pressure
will drive the water above ground level in a spectacular, permanent fountain.
Artesian springs can occur in similar fashion where faults or cracks in the
overlying impervious layer allow water to flow upward. Water from an artesian
well or spring is usually cold and free of organic contaminants, making it
desirable for drinking.
Whenever I visit the well in my area I bring a gallon jug to
fill it up with the clean, cold drinking water. I have posted a picture of
this well, it is located on the north side of Lake Como in Walworth county
Wisconsin.
This cache is only for artesian wells, please do not log
artesian springs as they are much more common.
To receive credit for this cache you must post a picture of
the well with your GPSR and the coordinates of the well.
The artesian well must be active, and water must be flowing from the well.
If the well is located
on private property, and you have permission to visit the well, you can email
me the coordinates if you don't want to post them. For the convenience of myself and others reading the log, please reserve the first line of your log solely for the location of the well.
As artesian wells are unique and rare places, multiple logs of the same well are permitted, as long are you post unique pictues.
Happy hunting, thirsty geocachers!