How are springs classified?

Springs are classified by how groundwater surfaces at ground level because this classification takes into account the natural processes that lead to the emergence of water from underground aquifers. Specifically, springs can be categorized based on their flow characteristics, such as whether they are perennial or intermittent, and their discharge, which indicates how consistently water flows from the ground. This method of classification is vital for understanding the hydrology of an area and the availability of water resources.

While temperature, mineral content, and size can provide additional information about a spring, they do not fundamentally represent the mechanism by which springs operate or how they are observed at the surface. Therefore, focusing on how the groundwater surfaces offers a clearer depiction of the types of springs and their behavior in the environment.