US Major Aquifers Quiz
Ogalalla, groundwater basics, depletion (10 questions).
US Major Aquifers Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Groundwater is a critical resource in the United States, supplying drinking water to half the population and irrigating millions of acres of farmland. This quiz focuses on the massive Ogallala Aquifer, the science of groundwater storage, and the challenges of depletion and subsidence.
Key Takeaways
- The Ogallala is the largest aquifer in the US.
- Groundwater is stored in the pores of permeable rock (aquifers).
- Nebraska holds the largest volume of the Ogallala’s water.
- Depletion occurs when discharge exceeds recharge.
- Subsidence and saltwater intrusion are major risks of over-pumping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ogallala Aquifer?
It is the largest aquifer in the United States, lying beneath eight Great Plains states and serving as a crucial source for agricultural irrigation.
Why is groundwater depletion a problem?
Depletion occurs when water is pumped out faster than nature can replenish it, leading to dried-up wells, higher pumping costs, and environmental damage.
What is the difference between confined and unconfined aquifers?
Unconfined aquifers have a permeable surface (water table) open to the atmosphere, while confined aquifers are trapped between impermeable rock layers.
Which states rely most on the Ogallala?
Nebraska, Texas, and Kansas are the heaviest users, primarily for irrigating corn, wheat, and cotton crops.
How does an aquifer recharge?
Aquifers recharge primarily through precipitation (rain and snowmelt) that percolates down through the soil, though the rate varies by geology.
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