Which of the following factors does NOT contribute to the vulnerability of groundwater to contamination?

Weather patterns do not directly influence the vulnerability of groundwater to contamination in the same way that the other factors do. Soil type affects the permeability and retention of contaminants; for instance, sandy soils allow for rapid infiltration, while clay soils can provide a barrier against contamination. Depth to water is crucial because the closer the groundwater is to the surface, the more likely it is to be impacted by surface contamination. Land use practices, such as agriculture or industrial activities, can introduce various contaminants into the soil that may subsequently leach into the groundwater. In contrast, weather patterns primarily influence surface runoff and precipitation but do not have a direct relationship with groundwater vulnerability itself.