Multiple choice

Water from an artesian well flows up automatically due to

  1. heavy rainfall in the region

  2. volcanic activity

  3. hydrostatic pressure

  4. geothermal energy

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Artesian wells occur when water is confined between impermeable rock layers under pressure. When a well is drilled into this confined aquifer, the hydrostatic pressure forces water upward without pumping. The pressure comes from the water table at a higher elevation in the recharge area of the aquifer.