Groundwater Information Network

Hydrogeological Regions of Canada (HydroRegion)

The Hydrogeological Regions Map depicts first order regions of Canada that have distinct groundwater systems. The country is assigned to nine regions as determined by frozen ground, geology, and physiography. Frozen ground has a dominant affect in the continuous permafrost region and the southern limit of this region cuts across both physiographic and geological features. Geology controls surface expression of the landscape and subsurface water-bearing characteristics, and the bedrock contacts that delineate geological terrains and basins represent the major region boundaries. Physiographic features are influenced by geology and coincide closely with geological boundaries but also divide geological units where elevation dominates, primarily along the eastern limit of the Cordillera. Physiographic features provide hydraulic gradients for regional and local flow and combine with climatic and run-off characteristics to dictate the regional moisture surplus or deficit that affects recharge to and discharge from groundwater systems.

Aquifers - NRCan (HydrogeologicUnit)

This dataset captures information about hydrogeological units. A hydrogeological unit could be a hydrogeological region, a hydrogeological context, an aquifer system, an hydrostratigraphic unit or an aquifer. Unit descriptions include information related to identification, physiography, geology, aquifer description and properties, water balance, groundwater use and risk. The numerical values associated with some properties can be used to create thematic maps, hence the importance of using standardised units of measurements and definitions for these properties. When numerical values are not available, a general description is supplied instead. For each property, metadata identify the source of the original data, links to similar data in GIN, and a description of the processes, algorithms or methodology used to develop property values.

NRCan - Bedrock Geology - Groundwater Projects (bedrockgeology)

Bedrock geology created or compiled in the context of Natural Resources Canada groundwater mapping projects.

Aquifer Confinement (gw_confinement)

Map of impermeable geologic units that impede movement of water to and from an aquifer. The information is generally derived from surface and bedrock geologic maps where known impermeable units are recognised.

Groundwater flow (gw_flow)

Map or figure of regional groundwater flow.

Hydraulic properties (hy_cond)

Hydraulic property measurements and calculations. May contain transmissivity, storage coefficients, hydraulic conductivity, specific storage coefficient and porosity values.

Groundwater Level (gw_level)

Depth of the water table, generally measured at a well location.

Recharge rate (gw_recharge)

Aquifer recharge estimate.