Groundwater Use/Pollution

What are examples of surface and groundwater?

• Surface water: lakes; Groundwater: oceans

• Surface water: rivers; Groundwater: aquifers

• Surface water: aquifers; Groundwater: rivers

• Surface water: oceans; Groundwater: lakes

Answer explanation

Surface water includes rivers, which are visible bodies of water on the Earth's surface. Groundwater is found in aquifers, which are underground layers that store water. The other options incorrectly categorize these types.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

How can water be conserved?

• By using more water in agriculture

• By fixing leaks and using water-efficient appliances

• By increasing water waste

• By using only bottled water

Answer explanation

Water can be conserved effectively by fixing leaks and using water-efficient appliances, which reduce unnecessary water loss and improve overall efficiency. The other options do not promote conservation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Where is groundwater primarily found?

• In rivers and lakes

• Underground in cracks and spaces in soil, sand, and rock

• In the atmosphere

• On mountain tops

Answer explanation

Groundwater is primarily found underground in the cracks and spaces of soil, sand, and rock, where it accumulates and is stored, unlike surface water which is found in rivers and lakes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

What is the largest use of groundwater in the U.S.?

• Drinking water for pets

• Filling swimming pools

• Irrigating crops

• Industrial cooling

Answer explanation

The largest use of groundwater in the U.S. is for irrigating crops, as agriculture requires significant water resources for crop production, far exceeding other uses like drinking water or industrial cooling.

What percentage of people in the U.S. get their drinking water from groundwater?

• 10%

• 25%

• 50%

• More than 50%

Answer explanation

More than 50% of people in the U.S. rely on groundwater for their drinking water, making it a crucial source compared to surface water. This highlights the importance of groundwater management.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

How does groundwater move?

• Quickly through rivers

• Slowly through aquifers

• Rapidly in the atmosphere

• Instantly through pipelines

Answer explanation

Groundwater moves slowly through aquifers, which are underground layers of water-bearing rock. This slow movement allows for natural filtration and replenishment, unlike the rapid flow seen in rivers or pipelines.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

How much more water is found in groundwater compared to surface water?

• 10 times more

• 50 times more

• 100 times more

• 200 times more

Answer explanation

Groundwater is significantly more abundant than surface water, containing about 100 times more. This vast difference highlights the importance of groundwater as a crucial resource for drinking water and irrigation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

What is a characteristic of permeable rock layers?

• They have few or no connected pore spaces.

• They transmit groundwater freely.

• They are made of clay.

• They do not allow water to pass through.

Answer explanation

Permeable rock layers have connected pore spaces that allow water to flow through them easily. This characteristic enables them to transmit groundwater freely, making them essential for aquifers.

Which of the following is true about impermeable materials?

• They have connected pore spaces.

• They allow water to pass through easily.

• They have few or no connected pore spaces.

• They are always made of sand.

Answer explanation

Impermeable materials have few or no connected pore spaces, which prevents water from passing through easily. This characteristic distinguishes them from permeable materials, which have more connected pores.

Why are connected pores important in determining if a surface is permeable?

• They prevent water from passing through.

• They allow water to be stored in the rock.

• They enable water to flow through the rock layer.

• They make the rock layer impermeable.

Answer explanation

Connected pores are crucial for permeability because they allow water to flow through the rock layer. If the pores are not connected, water cannot move freely, making the surface impermeable.