Groundwater Basics

Emma is studying geology and comes across a term describing an underground layer that stores and transmits groundwater. What is this term?

• An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing rock or sediment that stores and transmits groundwater.

• An aquifer is a man-made reservoir for water storage

• An aquifer is a type of volcanic rock

• An aquifer is a type of cloud formation

Imagine Grace and Henry are planning to build a well in their backyard. They need to understand the concept of the water table. How would you define the water table for them?

• The water table is the level below which the ground is saturated with water.

• The water table is the level at which water boils.

• The water table is the level at which water freezes.

• The water table is the level above which the ground is saturated with water.

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What is permeability?

• Measure of an object's weight

• Ability to allow water to pass through

• Ability to change color

• Related to the taste of a substance

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What is porosity when talking about groundwater?

• The temperature of groundwater in a specific location

• The rate at which groundwater flows through a rock or sediment

• The depth at which groundwater is found below the surface

• Amount of spaces in a rock or sediment that can hold water

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

During a school project on local ecosystems, Ava, Michael, and Nora are studying a nearby park known for its ability to replenish groundwater. They are discussing the importance of areas within the park that allow water to easily infiltrate the ground. Describe these areas and their importance.

• These areas are where water cannot infiltrate the ground

• These areas, known as recharge zones, allow water to easily infiltrate the ground and replenish the groundwater supply. They are important because they help maintain water quality and sustain surface water flows.

• These areas contribute to land sink holes

• These areas have no impact on water quality

What is the difference between the zone of saturation and the zone of aeration?

• The zone of saturation has all pores filled with air, while the zone of aeration has pores filled with water.

• The zone of saturation has all pores empty, while the zone of aeration has pores filled with air and water.

• The zone of saturation has all pores filled with water, while the zone of aeration has all pores empty.

• The zone of saturation has all pores filled with water, while the zone of aeration has pores filled with both air and water.

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How is groundwater defined?

• Water found in oceans and seas

• Water found beneath the earth's surface in soil pore spaces and rock fractures.

• Water found in the atmosphere

• Water found in glaciers and ice caps

What is a watershed?

• A watershed is a type of hat worn by farmers

• A watershed is a type of dessert made with ice cream and fruit

• A watershed is a type of bird found in tropical rainforests

• A watershed is an area of land where all of the water that falls in it drains into a common outlet.

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How does groundwater differ from surface water?

• Groundwater is always frozen, while surface water is liquid.

• Groundwater is located underground, while surface water is found above ground.

• Groundwater is found in rivers, while surface water is found in lakes.

• Groundwater is always contaminated, while surface water is clean.

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Why is groundwater an important natural resource?

• Groundwater is not a renewable resource.

• Groundwater is only used for recreational purposes.

• Groundwater has no impact on the environment.

• Groundwater is essential for drinking, agriculture, ecosystems, and industry.

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