Terrain guide

Terrain clues that can point toward spring and seep areas.

Topography cannot prove groundwater, but it can reveal where water is more likely to concentrate and where field inspection may be most efficient.

Concave hollows

Concave terrain funnels water from a broader upslope area toward a narrower lower area. Shallow hollows and draws are therefore common places to inspect for seepage.

Toe slopes

The lower edge of a hillside can be important because groundwater moving downslope may encounter changes in soil, bedrock or slope geometry that encourage discharge.

Slope breaks

A transition from steep terrain to gentler ground changes how water moves across and through a hillside. Persistent wetness just below a slope break can be worth investigating.

Flow convergence

When multiple subtle drainage directions converge, both runoff and shallow subsurface flow can become concentrated. Terrain models can help identify these convergence zones even when they are difficult to see from ground level.

Why multiple clues matter

A single low spot may simply collect rain. A location that combines concavity, lower-slope position, a slope break and persistent field moisture is more informative. Land Scanner ranks locations by combining several terrain clues so you can prioritize the most promising places for field validation.

Remember: geology, fractures, soil permeability and seasonal groundwater levels can override surface terrain patterns. Terrain analysis is a screening method, not direct groundwater detection.