What is an artesian well?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What is an artesian well?

The Big Idea

Some wells do not need a pump at all! Water rises up all by itself. These are called artesian wells.

Trapped Water

Step one: Trapped Water. An artesian well happens when water is trapped between two layers of tight rock. The layers are tilted.

Pressure

Step two: Pressure. The weight of water at the higher end, far away, puts the water under pressure. It is like water in a tank on a hill.

Up It Comes

Step three: Up It Comes. When a well is drilled into the trapped layer, the pressure pushes the water up. Sometimes it flows all the way out of the ground without a pump.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Rain enters at the high end. Tight rock traps it. The water is under pressure. It rises up the well.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The word artesian comes from Artois, a region in France. An artesian well works like a garden hose connected to a high tank. Australia has a giant artesian basin under its dry land. Water pressure does all the work.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Over a sink, fill a clear tube with water. Hold one end up high. Lower the other end. Watch the water flow out the low end. How is this like an artesian well?

Outro

An artesian well taps water trapped between tilted layers of tight rock. The weight of water at the higher end creates pressure that pushes the water up, sometimes without a pump. Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!