What describes the "cone of depression"?

The cone of depression refers specifically to the shape of the groundwater level surrounding a well when it is being pumped. As water is drawn from the well, the water table lowers around it, creating an inverted cone shape that extends downward into the aquifer. This phenomenon occurs because the water is being removed at a greater rate than it can be naturally replenished, which causes the surrounding water levels to drop as they converge toward the well.

Understanding this concept is essential for managing groundwater resources, as it illustrates how extensive the impact of a well's operation can be on local water levels and surrounding areas. While the other options touch on related ideas, they do not accurately capture the technical definition and physical implications of the cone of depression as effectively as the correct choice.