Groundwater

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What is groundwater?

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Groundwater is water that is stored beneath the Earth's surface in soil pore spaces and fractures of rock formations.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

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What is the zone of soil moisture?

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The zone of soil moisture is the area in the soil where water is held in the spaces between soil particles, but it is not considered groundwater.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is an artesian well?

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An artesian well is a well in which water rises to the surface due to pressure in the aquifer, without the need for pumping.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is the water table?

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The water table is the upper surface of the saturated zone in an aquifer, where the soil or rock is fully saturated with water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

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What is karst topography?

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Karst topography is a landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks, such as limestone, leading to features like sinkholes and caves.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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In which states are sinkholes likely to be rare?

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Sinkholes are likely to be rare in states like North Dakota, where the geological conditions do not favor their formation.

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What factors contribute to the formation of sinkholes?

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Sinkholes are formed when water erodes the underlying rock, creating voids that eventually collapse.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is the significance of the water table in groundwater management?

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The water table is crucial for groundwater management as it indicates the availability of groundwater resources and helps in assessing aquifer health.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Front

How does surface drainage affect groundwater levels?

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Areas with poor surface drainage can lead to higher groundwater levels, as water accumulates and saturates the soil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What role do aquifers play in the water cycle?

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Aquifers store groundwater, which can be replenished through precipitation and surface water infiltration, playing a vital role in the water cycle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1