What phenomenon is caused by overlapping wells in an irrigation system?

The phenomenon caused by overlapping wells in an irrigation system is well interference. This occurs when two or more wells draw water from the same aquifer and their pumping rates affect each other. As the wells are pumped, their cones of depression, which are the areas surrounding the wells where the groundwater level is lowered, can overlap. When this happens, one well can reduce the efficiency of another, leading to decreased water availability at the second well. The result can be fluctuations in water levels and inconsistencies in water supply, which may hinder effective irrigation practices. Understanding well interference is essential for designing efficient irrigation systems and ensuring sustainable groundwater use.