Groundwater

Which of the following can lead to groundwater shortages? a. pollution b. use exceeding the rate of replenishment c. lack of precipitation d. all of the above

In the preindustrial era, settlements were more likely to be near sources of surface water than in the industrial era.

Which of the following factors does not influence the level of the water table? a. pumping b. time of year c. pollution d. none of the above

Over half of the people in the United States rely on groundwater for drinking water.

What is a possible long-term consequence of groundwater overdraft? a. increased vegetation b. unproductive wells c. polluted groundwater d. higher water tables

Which of the following is a way that groundwater depletion affects streams? a. lower water level b. loss of vegetation c. wildlife disruption d. all of the above

Groundwater is only found below the water table.

Why has groundwater use increased? a. the total amount of freshwater has decreased b. more of the available freshwater is stored in glaciers and icecaps c. governments have banned the use of freshwater in rivers and springs d. the demand for freshwater has increased due to population growth

The location of the water table is subject to change.

How did the use of groundwater change from preindustrial times to industrial times? a. Groundwater use decreased from preindustrial times to industrial times. b. Groundwater use increased from preindustrial times to industrial times. c. Groundwater use remained virtually the same from preindustrial to industrial times. d. Groundwater was not used during preindustrial times.

Water stored above the water table _______. a. surrounds the rock particles, leaving air between them b. fills all available spaces c. is inaccessible to plant life d. all of the above

The use of wells to obtain drinking water is a modern convenience.

How does groundwater become polluted? a. Pollutants mixed with water pass through permeable layers above the aquifer. b. Factories dump their waste directly into aquifers. c. Refuse infiltrates the water table when garbage is dumped. d. All of the above

The Karez well system _______. a. was the first known use of wells b. was a postindustrial system c. transported groundwater from a distance d. all of the above