An aquifer is the natural storage of ground water that comes from rain. The sediments, such as soil, rock and clay, absorb the rainwater. When the sediment layer is saturated, excess rainwater travels down to the next sediment layer. Ground water eventually gathers in underground pools. The amount of water each layer traps depends on the porosity of the sediment. Highly porous sediments, such as soil and sand, hold more water than stone or clay. It is easy to make an aquifer model using different types of sediment and a soda bottle.
- 2-liter clear plastic soda bottle
- Scissors
- 1 cup soil
- 1 cup fine gravel
- 1 cup small stones
- 1 cup sand
- 1 cup clay
- Water
- Paper cup
- Pin
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Instructions
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1
Rinse a 2-liter clear plastic soda bottle to remove all soda residue. Use scissors to cut off the top of the bottle. Press the clay into the bottom of the soda bottle. Make sure to cover the bottom of the bottle.
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2
Pour the sand into the bottle. Add the fine gravel on top of the sand. Pour the cup of small stones into the bottle on top of the gravel. Cover all the layers in the bottle with the soil.
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3
Use a pin to make holes in the bottom of a paper cup. Hold the cup over the soda bottle and fill the cup with water to simulate rainfall. Observe the water filter through the various layers of the aquifer.