Groundwater Importance and Distribution

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What makes up most of Earth's liquid freshwater?

Lakes

Streams

Rivers

Groundwater (correct)

Which soil type is mentioned as being really good at soaking up water?

Silt

Clay

Sand (correct)

Rocks

What is the region where the soil is not saturated with water called?

Water table

Unsaturated zone (correct)

Soil moisture

Saturated zone

What fills the bottom of a hole when it reaches the saturated zone?

Water Signup and view all the answers

Where can you observe the boundary between the saturated and unsaturated zones?

At the water table Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of groundwater in the water cycle?

Groundwater is an important component of the water cycle Signup and view all the answers

Which zone is literally saturated with water?

Saturated zone Signup and view all the answers

How do geysers form?

When groundwater is heated by magma underground, the pressure builds up and the water escapes at the surface as steam Signup and view all the answers

How do aquifers function as underground water reservoirs?

Aquifers act like giant rock sponges, soaking up and holding water for thousands of years Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of groundwater in forming sedimentary rocks?

Groundwater acts as a cementing agent, gluing sediments together over millions of years Signup and view all the answers

Why are sinkholes formed when groundwater is over-pumped?

Sinkholes form because the land above sinks when groundwater is removed, creating cavities Signup and view all the answers

What role does groundwater play in natural ecosystems?

Groundwater is a source of freshwater for surface water systems like wetlands and rivers Signup and view all the answers

How are caves different from sinkholes?

Caves are typically smaller than sinkholes and have connections to other underground spaces like caverns Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the water underground is heated by magma near the surface?

The pressure builds up and sometimes results in escaping steam, forming geysers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of aquifers in storing groundwater?

Aquifers function to soak up water like sponges and hold it for long periods of time Signup and view all the answers

Groundwater Importance and Distribution

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