Groundwater (practice)

24 July 2022
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question
Explain the importance of groundwater as a source of freshwater
answer
Groundwater is an important source of freshwater, partly because it accounts for approximately 30% of the Earth's freshwater. Groundwater is an important source of freshwater for areas that do not have access to other sources of freshwater, such as areas that are experiencing droughts.
question
What approximate percentage of the Earth's freshwater is groundwater? a. 10% b. 20% c. 30% d. 40%
answer
c. 30%
question
Explain how groundwater overdraft occurs and its likely consequences.
answer
Groundwater overdraft occurs when the groundwater resources are used up more quickly than they are replenished. Groundwater overdraft can occur for a period of time without noticeable consequences, but eventually the aquifer will not be able to keep up with the rate of use as its water storage is depleted. This leads to unproductive or even dried up wells.
question
Groundwater overdraft occurs when _______. a. the location of the water table changes due to season b. aquifers become polluted c. the rate of use exceeds the rate of replenishment d. trees are planted
answer
c. the rate of use exceeds the rate of replenishment
question
Why has groundwater use increased over time?
answer
The principal reason for the increase of groundwater use is the increasing population. Urbanization and pollution have both contributed to an increase in the use of groundwater. Polluted rivers, lakes, and springs are no longer viable sources of groundwater. Urbanization has concentrated large populations in areas that might not have direct access to surface water or that might have a larger demand for freshwater than surface water can supply.
question
Which of the following is not a source of groundwater pollution? a. landfills b. septic tanks c. smoke stacks d. fertilizer
answer
c. smoke stacks
question
Compare the use of groundwater in preindustrial times to industrial times.
answer
Groundwater was used in preindustrial times, but was less widely used than in industrial times. With urbanization and increasing populations, the use of groundwater increased in industrial times to meet the increased demands for freshwater. People in preindustrial times were more likely to settle near sources of surface water.
question
Aquifers are _______. a. located below the water table b. important sources of freshwater c. located in the saturated zone d. all of the above
answer
d. all of the above
question
What are some ways that groundwater is used in the United States currently?
answer
Groundwater is used for drinking, irrigation, mining, industry, and recreation.
question
Human use of groundwater has _______ over time. a. increased b. decreased c. decreased and then increased d. remained the same
answer
a. increased