Podcast
Questions and Answers
In Canada, about 30.3% of the population depends on ______ as their source of drinking water.
In Canada, about 30.3% of the population depends on ______ as their source of drinking water.
groundwater
In Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the primary use of groundwater is for ______.
In Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the primary use of groundwater is for ______.
agriculture
Over 60% of New Brunswick’s population depends on ______.
Over 60% of New Brunswick’s population depends on ______.
groundwater
Groundwater can be polluted by sources such as gasoline leakage from storage ______.
Groundwater can be polluted by sources such as gasoline leakage from storage ______.
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Approximately 200 billion litres of groundwater are used for agriculture each ______ in the USA.
Approximately 200 billion litres of groundwater are used for agriculture each ______ in the USA.
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Oceans hold 96.5% of Earth’s ______.
Oceans hold 96.5% of Earth’s ______.
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Less than 3% of Earth’s water is ______.
Less than 3% of Earth’s water is ______.
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AQUIFER is an underground formation of permeable rock or loose materials capable of producing useful quantities of water for ______.
AQUIFER is an underground formation of permeable rock or loose materials capable of producing useful quantities of water for ______.
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68% of freshwater is found in glaciers and ice ______.
68% of freshwater is found in glaciers and ice ______.
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A large proportion of groundwater is used in agriculture to water crops and ______.
A large proportion of groundwater is used in agriculture to water crops and ______.
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Groundwater exists underground in ______ zones.
Groundwater exists underground in ______ zones.
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Groundwater can move at different speeds depending on ______ sizes and how well connected pores are.
Groundwater can move at different speeds depending on ______ sizes and how well connected pores are.
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The upper surface of the saturated zone is called the ______ table.
The upper surface of the saturated zone is called the ______ table.
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A fraction of precipitation that falls to Earth seeps its way down into the ground, ultimately reaching the ______.
A fraction of precipitation that falls to Earth seeps its way down into the ground, ultimately reaching the ______.
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Groundwater fills pores and ______ in underground materials.
Groundwater fills pores and ______ in underground materials.
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Adding new water to aquifers is known as the ______ of aquifers.
Adding new water to aquifers is known as the ______ of aquifers.
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An aquifer is an underground layer of water-saturated porous ______.
An aquifer is an underground layer of water-saturated porous ______.
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A groundwater scientist is known as a ______.
A groundwater scientist is known as a ______.
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Water found in saturated pore spaces is what we refer to as ______.
Water found in saturated pore spaces is what we refer to as ______.
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The world's largest groundwater aquifer is the Great Artesian ______.
The world's largest groundwater aquifer is the Great Artesian ______.
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At some locations, ground level may be lower than the water ______.
At some locations, ground level may be lower than the water ______.
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Study Notes
Groundwater
- Oceans hold 96.5% of Earth's water
- Freshwater exists in rivers, lakes, glaciers, ice caps, soil moisture, and groundwater aquifers
- Groundwater is a significant source of freshwater
- Groundwater is not as visually apparent as surface water, but it is crucial for life on Earth
Groundwater Aquifers
- Groundwater fills pores and fractures in underground materials
- An aquifer is a layer of saturated rock, fractures, unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, silt, clay)
- Aquifers can be large or small, and vary in depth
- Aquifers are often located close to the Earth's surface, but not always
Groundwater Recharge
- Precipitation, including rain and snow, seeps into the ground and replenishes groundwater reservoirs
- Surface water (rivers, lakes) can also recharge aquifers through rock fractures
- Groundwater can stay in aquifers for thousands of years
Groundwater Usage
- Agriculture is a major consumer of groundwater, with billions of liters used each day globally
- Groundwater is used for drinking water
- Industry also utilizes groundwater
Groundwater Contamination
- Groundwater can be contaminated by various sources
- Gasoline leaks from tanks
- Chemical leaks from industrial waste
- Pesticides and fertilizers
- Manure and biological waste
- Landfills can release contaminants into groundwater
- Groundwater pollution is an environmental concern
Groundwater Location
- Groundwater is typically found within 100 meters of the Earth's surface, although it can be located deeper in certain locations
- Two-thirds of people relying on groundwater in Canada live in rural areas
- Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick get most of their water from groundwater
- 30.3% (8.9 million people) in Canada use groundwater as their drinking water
Groundwater Scientists
- Groundwater scientists are known as hydrogeologists
- Groundwater aquifers vary in size (from a few thousand square meters to thousands of square kilometers)
- Groundwater aquifers can vary in thickness (from a few meters to hundreds of meters)
- Groundwater tables can vary in depth
Springs
- Springs are locations where groundwater flows out onto the Earth's surface
- Springs provide a surface water source
- Groundwater levels can sometimes be lower than the earth's surface, causing groundwater to flow to the surface
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Description
This quiz explores the importance of groundwater, outlining its role as a significant freshwater source and its existence in aquifers. Learn how groundwater is replenished and utilized, particularly in agriculture. Test your knowledge on these essential aspects of Earth's water systems.
