24 



Geology and Physiography 



Fig. 10 shows (i) representative rainfall figures for the county, and (2) the 

 fluctuations in a shallow well at Great Abington. The low rainfall for the 

 spring and summer of 1935 is reflected in the exceptionally low autumn 

 water table. Further, a strong seasonal rhythm can be seen in the water 

 table which is not evident in the rainfall. It is clear, particularly in 1936, 

 that summer rainfall has little or no influence on the water table. On the 



Spnng Summer Autumn NXHnUr Spclng- Summw Autumn "Wtntac Spring Summer Autumn W\ot«r Spring 



Surface of Ground 

 FLUCTUATIONS OF THE WATER TABLE 



1935- 1938 

 PROM OBSERVATIONS AT ABINGTON 



Fig. 10. 



Fluctuations of water level at Great Abington in relation to the rainfall of the 

 County, 1935-38. The rainfall for the period 1935-38 was abnormal in amount and 

 distribution through the year. Fig. 13 below gives more representative figures for the 

 County. 



Other hand, the heavy autumn and winter rainfall of 193 5 probably accounts 

 for the rapid rise in level after the drought, while the heavy winter and 

 spring rainfall of 1936-37 explains the high and extended 1937 maximum. 

 The drought at the beginning of 1938 is also reflected in an unusually 

 early lowering of the water table. 



