Definitions of Selected Ground-Water Terms—Revisions and Conceptual Refinements

This is a 1960 report by an ad hoc U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) committee on redefinition of groundwater terms and contains recommendations for certain changes in terms and concepts and more importantly for the use of consistent units in groundwater flow equations. This is a historic report written at an appropriate time as communication between hydrologists throughout the world is increasing greatly. The recommendations submitted by the committee will make future publications of the Water Resources Division, USGS, more readily understood by all hydrologists and will promote more uniform usage of terms by Geological Survey personnel. The terms defined and recommendations in the report were standards for groundwater reports of the USGS for many years. In accordance with prevailing Survey practice, however, it is permissible to use different terms, if local circumstances or conditions so require, once the standard usage has been made clear. This report is useful for understanding terms used in many groundwater reports.