ARTESIAN Meaning and
Definition
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Artesian refers to a type of water well or spring that occurs when water is confined under pressure in an underground aquifer. The term is derived from the region of Artois in France, where the phenomenon was first observed and studied.
In an artesian system, a layer of impermeable rock or soil, such as clay, shale, or some types of limestone, overlies the aquifer. This geological configuration helps to trap the water within the confined space of the aquifer. When a well is drilled into the earth and reaches the aquifer, the pressurized water is forced upward towards the surface without the need for pumping. As a result, artesian wells often have a natural flow of water.
The pressure in an artesian system occurs due to the elevation difference between the recharge area and the discharge area. The water infiltrates the aquifer at a higher elevation and then flows downhill, building up pressure as it encounters the impermeable layer. This trapped water forms an artesian source, which can be tapped for various uses such as drinking water supply, irrigation, or industrial purposes.
Artesian systems are typically highly desirable as they can provide a sustainable and reliable source of water. However, their occurrence is dependent on specific geological formations. Therefore, regions with artesian wells might be limited, and the extraction and management of water from artesian sources must be carefully regulated to maintain their sustainability.
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Applied to a boring or perforation made in the earth, in order to obtain a constant flow of water-so called from Artois, in France, where first used.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ARTESIAN
Etymology of ARTESIAN
The word "artesian" is derived from the region of Artois in northern France. It comes from the Old French term "Artesien", which means "of Artois". The name Artois itself traces back to the Latin "Artesium", which was the Roman name for the ancient city of Arras located in that region. The term "artesian" was first used in English in the 1830s to specifically refer to wells that tap into confined aquifers under pressure, which were commonly found in the Artois region.
Similar spelling words for ARTESIAN
- artesian-well,
- arteaga,
- artzeinu,
- artisan,
- Artega,
- eurodisney,
- artizan,
- ardizzone,
- Ardassine,
- aartsen,
- IRDSN,
- ardisia,
- artiste.
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