Artesian Salinity

Artesian salinity occurs where water from a pressurized aquifer rises to or near the ground surface. It is usually associated with intermediate or regional groundwater flow systems. If the pressure is large enough, the water flows to the surface and produces a flowing well, spring or soap hole. These features and hydrogeological maps are used to identify artesian salinity. In most cases, artesian salinity is a form of primary salinity (i.e. it has developed naturally over geologic time) but it may also be influenced by human alterations to the prairie ecosystems.

Page developed by Jan Kwiatkowski.

Other Documents in the Series

Salinity Classification, Mapping and Management in Alberta
Artesian Salinity - Current Document
Contact/Slope Change Salinity
Coulee Bottom Salinity
Depression Bottom Salinity
Outcrop Salinity
Slough Ring Salinity
Irrigation Canal Seepage Salinity
Natural/Irrigation Salinity

For more information about the content of this document, contact Karen Raven.
This document is maintained by Laura Thygesen.
This information published to the web on February 12, 2004.
Last Reviewed/Revised on December 4, 2017.