Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => The Environment => Topic started by: paul.fr on 12/06/2008 18:51:29

Title: Why doesn't underground water evaporate in the desert?
Post by: paul.fr on 12/06/2008 18:51:29

Why does underground water not dry up due to the heat, and why when it's extracted from wells or bore holes is in not laced with sand?


[MOD - subject altered to make it a question - CS]

Title: Re: Why doesn't underground water evaporate in the desert?
Post by: Bass on 12/06/2008 22:38:30

Surface temperatures vary over a wide range in deserts, but dig down a few feet and temperatures remain much more constant- so less chance of evaporation.  Most wells in sands are cased (otherwise they would collapse) to keep the sand out.  Also, sand is more dense than water, so not as easily lifted to the surface.