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.
As you stand at the cache location, be sure to look around at the area around you. You will notice that the land here is VERY flat. This means one of two things.
1. The aquifer that supplies this well cannot be steep as Indiana does not have that many hills.
2. The aquifer that supplies this well is steep, but is VERY deep so that we cannot see the incline underground.
Either answer could be true. Pick your reason and state your theory as to why you feel that way in your log.
To log this EarthCache, you must:
1. Email me your estimate of the rate at which the well is pumping out water. This can be done by bringing a container, of known volume, along with you and time how long it takes to fill.
2. In your log, state your theory as to the underground formation of this well and why you feel that way.
3. **Not a require** Post a picture of yourself and your GPSr at this Artesian well. Bonus points will be given if the picture is of you drinking from the well!!
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