What does a cone of depression in groundwater indicate?

A cone of depression in groundwater indicates a depression around a well from which water is being withdrawn. This phenomenon occurs when groundwater is extracted from a well, leading to a drop in the water table in the surrounding area. As water is pumped out, the pressure in the groundwater system is reduced, creating a funnel-shaped area of lower pressure—this is the cone of depression.

This concept is significant in hydrogeology as it affects the surrounding groundwater levels and can influence the flow direction of nearby wells and aquifer conditions. Understanding the cone of depression is essential for proper water resource management, particularly in areas where high volumes of water are being used or where sustainability of groundwater sources is a concern.