When will a cone of depression stop enlarging?

Answer 1

A cone of depression will stop enlarging when the rate of groundwater extraction equals the rate of groundwater recharge in the aquifer. This occurs when the water table stabilizes as the inflow of water meets the outflow due to pumping. Factors such as geological conditions, distance from the pumping well, and the aquifer's permeability also influence this stabilization process. Once equilibrium is reached, the cone of depression will remain relatively constant in size.