Aquifer deformations are ground subsidence or compaction caused by a decrease in pore pressure due to drops in groundwater levels. In confined (pressurized) aquifers in particular, excessive water extraction leads to irreversible physical structural changes resulting in permanent compaction of clay layers, surface cracks, and infrastructure damage. [1, 2, 3]

Key Causes and Consequences of Aquifer Deformation:

Excessive Groundwater Extraction: Draining water from the aquifer causes the load carried by the water to be transferred to the soil grains, leading to grain compaction.

Permanent (Plastic) Compaction: Fine-grained units such as clay and silt cannot return to their original volume even if replenished after water extraction.

Ground Subsidence: Irregular subsidence pits or gradual lowering occur, affecting large areas on the surface.

Fractures and Cracks: Deformations can cause linear cracks and structural damage on the ground surface.

Changes in Aquifer Characteristics: The porosity of a compressed aquifer decreases, its permeability decreases, and its water storage capacity is permanently reduced. [1, 2]

These deformations lead to significant geotechnical and hydrogeological problems, especially in areas with excessive water consumption for agricultural or urban purposes.