As concerns over water resources and the environment grow, the importance of considering ground water and surface water as a single resource has become increasingly evident. The natural processes of groundwater-surface water interaction and human influences on this interaction are presented here, touching on natural ground-surface water interactions as part of the hydrologic cycle, chemical interactions, and the influences of different types of terrain upon these interactions. A discussion of human influences includes agricultural activity, urban development, modifications to drainages, and changes in the atmosphere.

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This resource is part of 'Geology and Human Health'

Author: Mr Thomas C. Winter
U.S. Geological Survey