Seep (hydrology)

For other uses, seeSeep (disambiguation).

A seeppuddlein aforestclearing

Aseeporflushis a moist or wet place wherewater,usuallygroundwater,reaches the Earth's surface from an undergroundaquifer.

Description

Seeps are usually not of sufficient volume to be flowing beyond their immediate above-ground location. They are part of thelimnology-geomorphologysystem. Like a higher volumespring,the water is only from underground sources. Seeps mostly occur in lower elevation areas because water runs downhill, but can happen higher up if the groundwater present is abundant enough. Along with natural seeps, man made seeps can occur by digging anywhere where there is wet ground. This method can be useful for survival purposes and helps the local wildlife by adding another water source to the area.

Seeps often form apuddle,and are important for smallwildlife,bird,andbutterflyhabitat and moisture needs. When they supportmud-puddling,many butterfly (Lepidoptera) species, including some types that areendemicendangered species,can obtainnutrientssuch assaltsandamino acids.

Environmental technology

Seep is often used inenvironmental sciencesto define an exfiltration zone (seepage zone) where contaminated water, e.g., from waste dumps, leaves a waste system area.

Seeps are often important smaller wildlife water sources, and indicated by lowerriparianvegetation.

Stream recharge system

Seeps can also contribute to streams. If a stream is flowing below awater tablethen the stream receives contributions from the ground water viaseepage.This allows drainage of the ground water and more substantial streamflow. The seep could be especially effective during a rainless period of the area, in which the seep can prolong the stream’s flow by adding water from the groundwater.

See also

• Mud-puddling
• Rill
• Riparian zone restoration
• Soil mechanics § Seepage: steady state flow of water

References

• Meinzer, Oscar E., ed.Hydrology.New York: Dover, 1949. Print.