Groundwater & Aquifers of the US Quiz
Ogalalla Aquifer, water tables (10 questions).
Groundwater & Aquifers of the US Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Groundwater acts as a critical freshwater reservoir for the United States, supporting agriculture and municipal supplies. The Ogallala Aquifer stands as a prime example of both the immense value and the vulnerability of these underground resources.
One of the world’s largest aquifers, spanning eight states in the Great Plains region.
The boundary underground separating the unsaturated zone from the saturated zone.
A measure of how easily water can flow through rock or sediment.
The natural replenishment of an aquifer by precipitation or surface water.
Key Takeaways
- Aquifers are underground layers of permeable rock or sediment that hold water.
- The Ogallala Aquifer is vital for U.S. agriculture, providing ~30% of groundwater used for irrigation.
- Depleting aquifers can cause land subsidence, where the ground sinks.
- “Fossil water” refers to ancient groundwater that is not easily replenished.
- Sustainable management involves balancing withdrawal rates with recharge rates.
What is the Ogallala Aquifer?
It is a vast, shallow water table aquifer surrounded by sand, silt, clay, and gravel located beneath the Great Plains in the United States.
Which states sit above the Ogallala Aquifer?
It underlies parts of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
What is a water table?
It is the upper surface of the zone of saturation, where the ground is soaked with water. Below this level, all pore spaces are filled.
Why is groundwater depletion a problem?
Excessive pumping lowers the water table, dries up wells, reduces stream flow, degrades water quality, and can cause the ground surface to sink.
How does an aquifer recharge?
Recharge occurs when precipitation (rain or snowmelt) or surface water percolates down through the soil into the aquifer.
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