Have you ever watered a plant in a pot and noticed water coming out from the bottom?
Seepage in a plant pot
Seepage of water:
Seepage is the slow movement of water through the soil or tiny spaces in the ground. It happens when water slowly filters down through the soil and rocks, reaching underground layers. This process helps in recharging the groundwater.
Activity:
To observe and compare how water seeps through different soil types beneath the Earth’s surface.
Step 1: Take 3 cups and poke a small hole at the bottom of each.
Step 2: Fill each cup with clay, sand and gravel.
Step 3: Place all cups over empty measuring bowls to collect any water.
Step 4: Slowly pour the same amount of water (e.g., 100 ml) into each cup.
Step 5: Watch and compare: How fast does water seep through?
Water seepage through different soil types
Explanation:
Gravel: Water seeps fastest.
Sand: Water seeps slower than gravel but faster than clay.
Clay: Water seeps slowest or may not seep much at all.
Sand: Water seeps slower than gravel but faster than clay.
Clay: Water seeps slowest or may not seep much at all.
Seepage of water in gravel, sand and clay:
| Property | Gravel | Sand | Clay |
| Image |  |
 |
 |
| Particle size | Large | Medium | Very tiny |
|
Space between particles
|
Large | Moderate | Very small |
| Flow of water | Fastest | Not too fast or too slow | Slow and may get trapped |
| Seepage | Fastest | Moderate | Slowest |
What happens after seepage?
Once water seeps into the ground, it continues to move downward. This leads to the following important stages namely infiltration, groundwater and aquifers.
Infiltration:
Infiltration is the process by which water on the surface enters the soil. This happens after rainfall or when water is poured on the ground.The water moves downward through soil layers due to gravity. It is the first step in the movement of water into the Earth.
Groundwater:
Some of the water that infiltrates goes deep into the ground. This water fills the pore spaces between soil, rocks, and sand. This stored water is called groundwater.
Aquifers:
Aquifers are underground layers of rock or soil that store groundwater. These layers can store large amounts of water for a long time. Aquifers are like natural underground water tanks. Water from aquifers is used for drinking, farming, and daily needs by digging wells or drilling bore wells. This water may be a few metres to hundreds of metres below the ground, depending on the location.
Aquifer
If water seeps into the ground and forms groundwater, can we keep using it forever?
No, groundwater is limited. As the population grows, more and more water is being taken out from the ground. At the same time, less vegetation and more concrete buildings and roads in cities have reduced the amount of rainwater that can seep into the ground. As a result groundwater is getting depleted.
How can we conserve groundwater?
- Rainwater harvesting and recharge pits are used to collect and store rainwater to recharge the ground.
- Reusing and recycling water to reduce demand on groundwater.
- Avoid wastage of water by turning off taps when not in use.
- Using drip irrigation to water plants and crops.
Example:
Ice stupas are man-made ice structures in Ladakh, built by channeling water from higher altitudes through pipes to freeze in winter. When the water is released through a nozzle and sprayed into the freezing air, it turns into ice and forms a tall, cone-shaped structure. This shape helps the ice melt slowly in summer. The stored ice provides water during dry months, especially before natural glaciers melt. It is mainly used for farming and drinking in early summer. This innovative method was developed by engineer Sonam Wangchuk.
Ice stupa
