What is defined as the distance between the static water level and the surface of the cone of depression?

The term that describes the distance between the static water level and the surface of the cone of depression is drawdown. Drawdown is an important concept in hydrogeology, particularly when discussing aquifer systems. It specifically refers to the reduction in water level in a well or aquifer due to pumping.

When water is extracted from a well, it creates a cone-shaped decline in the water level surrounding the well, known as the cone of depression. The static water level represents the normal water level when the well is not being pumped. Drawdown quantifies the difference between this normal level and the lowered water level caused by the pumping action. Understanding drawdown is crucial for managing groundwater resources, as it helps in evaluating the sustainability of water extraction from aquifers and determining the impacts of well pumping on surrounding water levels.