Artesian well
Naturally-pressurized water source
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Through Well, Groundwater and Atmospheric pressure
A well drilled into such an aquifer is called an artesian well. If water reaches the ground surface under the natural pressure of the aquifer, the well is termed a flowing artesian well.
Fossil water aquifers can also be artesian if they are under sufficient pressure from the surrounding rocks, similar to how many newly tapped oil wells are pressurized.
Not all aquifers are artesian (i.e., water table aquifers occur where the groundwater level at the top of the aquifer is at equilibrium with atmospheric pressure). Aquifers recharge when the water table at its recharge zone is at a higher elevation than the head of the well.
History
The first mechanically accurate explanation for artesian wells was given by Al-Biruni. Artesian wells were named after Artois in France, where many artesian wells were drilled by Carthusian monks from 1126.