How is 'dewatering' primarily characterized?

Dewatering is primarily characterized by the intermittent reduction of groundwater levels. This process involves the temporary removal of water from a specific area, typically to facilitate construction, mining, or other activities that require a dry working environment. By lowering the water table, dewatering methods help to maintain dry conditions, preventing water from interfering with excavation or structural stability.

This process contrasts with other options that do not accurately define dewatering. For instance, the permanent removal of water bodies suggests a more permanent ecological change rather than the temporary solution that dewatering represents. Managing excessive rainwater implies a broader strategy that may include surface water management, which is not specifically focused on reducing groundwater levels. Furthermore, the continuous pumping of surface water into wells does not align with the dewatering process, which primarily deals with the removal of groundwater rather than surface water management.