Hypocrene
Emergence Setting and Hydrology
Sketch of Hypocrene spring type. A=aquifer; I=impermeable stratum; S=spring source. Fault lines are shown where appropriate. The inverted triangle represents the water table or piezometric surface. Drawing by Victor O. Leshyk www.victorleshyk.com.
A buried spring where flow does not reach the surface, typically due to very low discharge and high evaporation or transpiration.
For Example: Mule 70L Spring, Grand Canyon, AZ
Description
At hypocrene springs, groundwater levels are close to the surface, but do not emerge. Discharge from the springs is consumed by evaporation or transpiration. Of all spring types, hypocrenes typically have the lowest discharge and the lowest inputs of atmospheric water. Hypocrenes support drought-tolerant flora and fauna, as well as those that have adapted to high salinity conditions.