Groundwater Depletion and Pollution Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the result of net reduction of intergranular space in rocks or sediments?

  • Increase in groundwater levels
  • Enhanced filtration of water
  • Reduction in flooding risk
  • Subsidence of ground level (correct)
  • How does groundwater extraction lead to saltwater intrusion?

  • By increasing soil moisture retention
  • By causing the water table to rise
  • By mixing fresh and saltwater at the natural boundary (correct)
  • By creating a barrier between freshwater and seawater
  • Which energy source is considered non-renewable?

  • Wind energy
  • Solar energy
  • Hydro energy
  • Coal (correct)
  • What does nuclear fission involve?

    <p>Splitting an atom with a neutron</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of irreversible subsidence?

    <p>Lowering of ground level</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true about the energy produced by nuclear power plants?

    <p>Only the process is renewable, not the fuel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What natural process helps in filtering groundwater?

    <p>Natural filtration through soil and rock</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is saltwater intrusion likely to occur?

    <p>Near coastlines or shores</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of the net reduction of intergranular space in rocks and sediments?

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

    Groundwater extraction can lead to saltwater intrusion.

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

    What is meant by the term 'irreversible' in the context of subsidence?

    <p>It indicates that the lowering of ground level cannot be reversed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following energy resource with its type:

    <p>Coal = Non-renewable Hydroelectric Power = Renewable Nuclear Energy = Non-renewable Solar Power = Renewable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The main process of producing electricity from geothermal power involves using heat from deep below the Earth to produce ______.

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

    Which of the following is a non-renewable energy resource?

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

    What causes the mixing of saltwater and freshwater in coastal areas?

    <p>Groundwater extraction lowering the water table.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Nuclear energy is considered a renewable resource.

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

    What is the primary environmental concern associated with nuclear energy?

    <p>Waste disposal and radiation exposure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hydroelectric power transforms potential energy of ______ into kinetic energy.

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

    Study Notes

    Groundwater Depletion

    • Net reduction in intergranular space leads to a decreased volume of rock and sediment.
    • Subsidence occurs as a result of the ground level lowering.
    • Increased chance of flooding can occur due to subsidence.
    • Groundwater depletion is irreversible.

    Groundwater Pollution vs Saltwater Intrusion

    • Groundwater pollution is caused by contaminants entering the groundwater.
    • Natural filtration processes can remove some pollutants but not all.
    • Saltwater Intrusion occurs along coastlines.
    • A natural boundary separates fresh and saltwater aquifers.
    • Excessive groundwater extraction can lower the water table, allowing saltwater to mix with freshwater rendering it undrinkable.

    Energy Resources

    • Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy resources which are derived from ancient organisms.
    • Coal is formed from the decomposition of plants in swamps.
    • **Petroleum (oil) ** is a hydrocarbon-based energy source.
    • Nuclear Energy is a non-renewable energy resource, as the uranium used as fuel is limited.
    • Nuclear energy is generated through nuclear fission.

    Subsidence

    • A decrease in the volume of rock or sediment leads to a drop in ground level, known as subsidence.
    • This happens due to a reduction in intergranular space.
    • Subsidence is irreversible and can cause flooding.

    Groundwater Pollution

    • Groundwater naturally gets filtered through soil, rock, and sediment.
    • However, some compounds and ions are too small or dissolve easily, leading to pollution.
    • Saltwater intrusion near coastlines occurs when the freshwater-saltwater boundary is disturbed, making water undrinkable.

    Energy Resources

    Non-Renewable

    Fossil Fuels
    • Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of ancient organisms through burial and diagenesis.
    • Coal is formed from decayed plants in swamps.
    • Petroleum (oil) and natural gas are formed from decayed organisms in the ocean.
    Oil
    • There are approximately 180 oil rigs in the Red Sea.
    • Venezuela has the largest oil reserves, particularly within the La Luna Formation.
    Nuclear Energy
    • Nuclear power plants utilize nuclear reactions to generate electricity.
    • Nuclear reactions release significant amounts of heat, used to produce steam and drive turbines.
    • Uranium is commonly used in nuclear power plants.
    Types of Nuclear Reactions
    • Nuclear fission involves splitting atoms using neutron collisions.
    • Nuclear fusion involves merging atoms.
    • Nuclear decay occurs when unstable nuclei emit radiation.
    Nuclear Energy Concerns:
    • Waste disposal
    • Exposure effects

    Renewable

    Geothermal Power
    • Geothermal power utilizes heat from deep within the Earth.
    • This heat produces steam which drives turbines to generate electricity.
    Requirements for Geothermal Power:
    • Adequate water supply
    • Continuous water recharge
    • Permeable host rock for water storage
    • Heat source capable of sustaining heating for decades
    • Strong cap rock to support construction
    Hydroelectric Power
    • Generates electricity from the movement of water.
    • Converts potential energy into kinetic energy.
    • Niagara Falls produces 4.9 million kilowatts of electricity, enough for 3.8 million homes.
    Solar Power
    • Utilizes the photoelectric effect.
    • Photons strike metal, liberating electrons.
    Other Renewable Resources
    • Wind Turbines
    • Biofuels from organic waste
    • Tidal, wave, and ocean current energies
    • Hydrogen fission

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on groundwater depletion, pollution, and energy resources. This quiz covers key concepts such as subsidence, saltwater intrusion, and the impact of fossil fuels on the environment. Understand the consequences of excessive groundwater extraction and the significance of natural filtration processes.

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