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?

<p>Topography and stream order (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is a tarn primarily formed in a glacial landscape?

<p>By glacial meltwater filling depressions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What environmental significance do cirques hold in their ecosystems?

<p>They accumulate snow, which is a freshwater source (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process leads to the formation of a moraine?

<p>Glaciers move and deposit loose rock material as they melt (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The layer where all rock pores are filled with water (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Porosity of the rock (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Decrease in water levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>tarn</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following glacial landforms with their descriptions:

<p>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</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Reduced water availability for irrigation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify one environmental significance of a cirque.

<p>Source of freshwater</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Groundwater Movement

The flow of water underground, influenced by gravity, porosity (storage space), and permeability (ability to flow).

Aquifer

A layer of permeable rock or sediment that stores and transmits groundwater.

Subsidence

The gradual sinking of the Earth's surface, often caused by excessive groundwater extraction.

High Plains Aquifer

The largest aquifer in the USA, used for agriculture and domestic water in 8 states; facing depletion due to excessive pumping.

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Drainage Density

A measure of the number of streams in relation to the area they drain.

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Tarn

A small lake or pool formed in a cirque or glacial valley.

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Cirque

A bowl-shaped glacial valley, often containing a tarn and a source of freshwater.

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Moraine

A pile of rock and debris deposited by a glacier.

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Groundwater Movement Factors

Gravity, porosity (storage capacity), and permeability (flow) affect groundwater movement and water availability.

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Subsidence Cause

Excessive groundwater removal can cause land to sink gradually.

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High Plains Aquifer Importance

Large aquifer in the USA, crucial to agriculture/domestic use in 8 states.

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Drainage System Density

The number of streams relative to the area they drain determines drainage system density.

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Tarn Formation

A glacial melt-left depression, often a small lake in a cirque or glacial valley.

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Cirque Formation

Bowl-shaped mountain depression, eroded by a glacier (plucking).

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Moraine Definition

A pile of rock and debris deposited by a glacier.

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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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