Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'aquifer'

English Word: aquifer

Key Russian Translations:

• аквифер [ɐkˈvʲifʲɛr] - [Formal, Technical]
• водоносный горизонт [vɐdɐˈnosnɨj ɡɐrʲɪˈzont] - [Formal, Geological]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in scientific, geological, or environmental contexts; not common in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: C1 (Advanced) for both translations, as it involves specialized vocabulary and understanding of Russian noun declensions

Pronunciation (Russian):

аквифер: [ɐkˈvʲifʲɛr]

Note on аквифер: The stress is on the second syllable; the 'в' sound is palatalized, which is a common feature in Russian words of foreign origin. Pronounce it with a soft 'v' as in "view".

водоносный горизонт: [vɐdɐˈnosnɨj ɡɐrʲɪˈzont]

Note on водоносный горизонт: This phrase has stress on the third syllable of "водоносный" and the second of "горизонт"; pay attention to the soft 'н' in "водоносный" for accurate articulation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A geological formation that contains and transmits groundwater, often serving as a source of water supply.

Translation(s) & Context:

• аквифер - Used in formal geological reports or discussions about water resources; implies a specific underground layer.
• водоносный горизонт - Applied in broader hydrological contexts, emphasizing the water-bearing aspect; common in environmental science.

Usage Examples:

• В регионе был обнаружен обширный аквифер, который может обеспечить водой тысячи жителей.

  In the region, an extensive aquifer was discovered that can supply water to thousands of residents.

• Геологи изучают водоносный горизонт под пустыней, чтобы предотвратить истощение водных запасов.

  Geologists are studying the aquifer under the desert to prevent the depletion of water reserves.

• Анализ аквифера показал высокий уровень загрязнения, что требует немедленных мер по очистке.

  Analysis of the aquifer revealed a high level of contamination, requiring immediate cleanup measures.

• Водоносный горизонт в этой области является ключевым источником для ирригации сельскохозяйственных земель.

  The aquifer in this area is a key source for irrigating agricultural lands.

• Из-за климатических изменений аквифер в северных регионах может стать критически важным ресурсом.

  Due to climate change, the aquifer in northern regions may become a critically important resource.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "аквифер" and "водоносный горизонт" are nouns. "Аквифер" is a masculine noun (from foreign origin) and follows standard Russian declension patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. "Водоносный горизонт" is a phrase where "горизонт" is masculine and "водоносный" is an adjective that agrees with it.

Note: These are regular declensions. "Водоносный" changes based on gender, number, and case to agree with the noun it modifies.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • водоносный слой (water-bearing layer; more general term, often used interchangeably in non-technical contexts)
  • подземный водонос (underground water source; emphasizes depth)
• Antonyms:
  • сухой горизонт (dry horizon; refers to layers without water)

Related Phrases:

• подземный аквифер - Refers to an underground aquifer, commonly used in discussions about water extraction.
• загрязнение водоносного горизонта - Pollution of the aquifer; a phrase often seen in environmental reports.
• разработка аквифера - Development of the aquifer; implies resource management or exploitation.

Usage Notes:

"Аквифер" directly corresponds to the English "aquifer" and is preferred in scientific translations for precision, while "водоносный горизонт" is more descriptive and used when emphasizing the water-bearing function. Both are formal and restricted to technical or academic contexts; avoid them in casual conversation. Grammatically, ensure adjectives like "водоносный" agree in case, number, and gender with the noun. When choosing between translations, use "аквифер" for borrowed terminology and "водоносный горизонт" for native Russian phrasing in educational materials.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "о аквифер" instead of "об аквифере" in prepositional contexts. Correct: "Об аквифере" (About the aquifer). Explanation: Russian requires the prepositional case, so learners must check declensions to avoid sounding unnatural.

• Error: Failing to decline adjectives, e.g., saying "водоносный горизонт" in genitive as "водоносный горизонта" instead of "водоносного горизонта". Correct: "Водоносного горизонта". Explanation: Adjectives must agree with nouns, which is a common pitfall for English speakers unfamiliar with Russian agreement rules.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, aquifers are a critical part of water resource management due to the country's vast geography and varying climates. Terms like "аквифер" often appear in discussions about environmental challenges, such as those in Siberia, where groundwater is essential for remote communities. This reflects Russia's historical emphasis on natural resource exploitation, dating back to Soviet-era engineering projects.

Related Concepts:

• река (river)
• озеро (lake)
• подземные воды (groundwater)