Groundwater and Fluvial Movements

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary factor that influences the movement of groundwater through an aquifer?

Permeability (correct)

Humidity

Geothermal activity

Altitude

What phenomenon occurs as a result of excessive groundwater extraction?

Vegetation growth

Water purification

Subsidence (correct)

Land erosion

Which of the following is a major challenge faced by the High Plains Aquifer?

Natural replenishment getting faster

Increased water table levels

Excessive pumping of water (correct)

Pollution from agricultural runoff

What determines the density of a drainage system in a particular basin?

Topography and stream order Signup and view all the answers

How is a tarn primarily formed in a glacial landscape?

By glacial meltwater filling depressions Signup and view all the answers

What environmental significance do cirques hold in their ecosystems?

They accumulate snow, which is a freshwater source Signup and view all the answers

What process leads to the formation of a moraine?

Glaciers move and deposit loose rock material as they melt Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'saturated zone'?

The layer where all rock pores are filled with water Signup and view all the answers

Which factor affects the storage capacity of groundwater in an aquifer?

Porosity of the rock Signup and view all the answers

Excessive groundwater extraction can lead to the gradual sinking of the Earth's surface.

True Signup and view all the answers

Name one impact of excessive groundwater extraction on the High Plains Aquifer.

Decrease in water levels Signup and view all the answers

A _____ is formed in a glacial landscape when depressions created by melting glaciers become filled with water.

tarn Signup and view all the answers

Match the following glacial landforms with their descriptions:

Cirque = Bowl-shaped depression on a mountainside Tarn = Water-filled depression left by a glacier Moraine = Accumulation of debris pushed by glaciers Glacier = Large mass of moving ice Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary risks associated with the declining water levels in the High Plains Aquifer?

Reduced water availability for irrigation Signup and view all the answers

A moraine is formed when glaciers deposit loose rock material as they advance.

True Signup and view all the answers

Identify one environmental significance of a cirque.

Source of freshwater Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Groundwater and Fluvial Movements

Groundwater Movement Factors: Gravity influences water movement, porosity (rock storage capacity), and permeability (water movement ability) affect how water flows through aquifers. Saturated and unsaturated zones determine water availability.
Subsidence from Excessive Extraction: Excessive groundwater removal leads to subsidence (land sinking). Potential consequences include landslides and flooding.
Ogallala Aquifer Significance: The High Plains Aquifer (Ogallala) is crucial for the USA due to its large size and importance in agriculture and diverse uses. Excessive pumping and overuse present challenges like water depletion.

Drainage Basin Stream Order

Drainage Density: Stream order (1-4, etc.) and number of streams determine drainage system density. Factors like the number and size of streams within an area influence density.

Glacial Landforms: Cirque, Moraine, and Tarn

Cirque Formation: Cirques are bowl-shaped depressions created by glaciers. Plucking, frost action cause rock pieces to break off. The accumulation of snow plays a crucial role for water sources. Pyrénées France is an example region of Cirque.
Moraine Formation: Moraines form from the accumulation of rock and debris deposited by glaciers. Moraine presence indicates a glacial history for a region. Examples like the Kettle Moraine in Wisconsin exist.
Tarn Formation: Tarns are formed when glaciers melt, and water collects in depressions left behind. They're important for local ecosystems as they provide freshwater habitats. A location example: Snowdonia National Park.

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Description

This quiz explores essential concepts of groundwater movement, including factors that impact it, subsidence effects from excessive extraction, and the significance of the Ogallala Aquifer. You will also learn about drainage basin stream order and various glacial landforms like cirques and moraines.