What is the primary difference between a spring and a well?

The primary difference between a spring and a well is that a spring represents a natural discharge of groundwater, whereas a well is a man-made structure designed to access groundwater. Springs occur where groundwater flows naturally to the surface, often emerging from geological formations such as aquifers. This natural movement is typically due to hydrostatic pressure or other geological conditions that cause the groundwater to rise to the surface.

In contrast, wells are excavated or drilled into the ground to reach the water within aquifers. They require human intervention for their construction and operation, and the water is not discharged naturally but must be pumped out. This distinction highlights the difference in origin and nature between these two sources of groundwater.

Other options suggest characteristics about depth, discharge mechanisms, or limitations that do not accurately define the fundamental characteristics that separate a spring from a well. The essential factor to remember is that springs are natural phenomena, while wells are artificial entities created for the purpose of accessing groundwater.