Which of the following best defines the cone of depression?

The cone of depression is best defined as the depression around the well of the water surface caused by pumping water from the well. When water is extracted from an aquifer through a well, the hydraulic pressure within the aquifer decreases in the vicinity of the well, leading to a drop in the water table or pot table. This drop creates a conical shape that extends outward from the well, illustrating the area where the groundwater level has been lowered due to the pumping action.

This phenomenon is significant in understanding groundwater management and well design. The shape and size of the cone of depression can be influenced by several factors, including the rate of pumping, the permeability of the aquifer, and the duration of pumping. Monitoring and managing cones of depression is crucial to ensure sustainable groundwater supplies and prevent issues such as land subsidence or adverse effects on nearby wells.