Surface and Groundwater

What must happen for the water table to remain unchanged when groundwater is pumped out?

• The rate of discharge must equal the rate of recharge.

• The rate of discharge must be greater than the rate of recharge.

• The rate of discharge must be less than the rate of recharge.

• The rate of discharge must fluctuate randomly.

What role do plants play in reducing erosion?

• Plants absorb water and prevent flooding.

• Plants help to hold soil in place with their roots, reducing erosion.

• Plants provide shade to prevent soil from drying out.

• Plants increase the speed of water runoff.

Which characteristic of a watershed helps to reduce erosion?

• Soil with a high porosity.

• Soil with low organic matter.

• Soil with high clay content.

• Soil that is compacted.

What is the area of land drained by a river system called?

• Watershed

• Delta

• Estuary

• Basin

What percentage of the U.S. fresh water is used in homes?

• 5%

• 10%

• 15%

• 20%

What is recharge in the context of groundwater?

• The process by which water from precipitation and surface water infiltrates into the ground to replenish aquifers.

• The method of extracting groundwater for agricultural use.

• The evaporation of water from soil and surface water bodies.

• The process of filtering water through soil layers to remove impurities.

Where is fresh water found on Earth?

• In oceans and seas.

• In lakes, rivers, streams, and underground.

• In the atmosphere only.

• In glaciers and ice caps.

What is groundwater?

• Water that is found underground in soil and rock layers.

• Water that is found in rivers and lakes.

• Water that is evaporated from the ocean.

• Water that is stored in clouds.

What is a floodplain?

• An area of land adjacent to a river that is subject to flooding.

• A type of wetland that is always submerged in water.

• A region that is permanently dry and arid.

• A flat area of land that is elevated above sea level.

What is the water table?

• The upper surface of the zone of saturation where groundwater is found.

• The level at which soil moisture is completely saturated.

• The boundary between the saturated and unsaturated zones of soil.

• The point at which water begins to evaporate from the ground.