A geological term to describe a region that is underlain with water-bearing rocks (an aquifer) in the form of a basin.

How an aquifer works. If water is trapped underground in an aquifer it is called artesian water and it comes to the surface under pressure if a bore hole is drilled.

Water reaches the rocks through outcrops of rock on the rim of the basin.

Artesian basins are important sources of water throughout the world. The London and Paris Basins are artesian basins. The world's largest artesian basin is the Great Artesian Basin in Australia.