Groundwater

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of a sinkhole?

Sinkholes are funnel-shaped holes in the ground.

What is the definition of a cavern?

Caverns are large open spaces underground.

What causes the formation of sinkholes and caverns?

Sinkholes and caverns are formed when the surface land collapses due to groundwater dissolving sediments underground.

How does too much groundwater pumping contribute to the formation of sinkholes and caverns?

Too much groundwater pumping can also cause the land to collapse and form sinkholes and caverns. Signup and view all the answers

What role does groundwater play in the water cycle?

Groundwater is an important part of the water cycle as it is where rainwater and snow end up after they hit the ground, soaking down into the soil. Signup and view all the answers

What are the effects of sinkholes and caverns on the Earth's landscape?

Sinkholes and caverns can drastically change the landscape. Signup and view all the answers

What qualifications does Elizabeth, the Licensed Massage Therapist, have?

Elizabeth has a Master's in Zoology, one in GIS, and a Bachelor's in Biology. Signup and view all the answers

What are some uses of groundwater?

Some uses of groundwater include crop irrigation and drinking water. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when too much groundwater is removed too quickly?

The ground collapses into the open space below and a sinkhole is formed. Signup and view all the answers

What are sinkholes?

Sinkholes are holes in the ground that are formed when the ground collapses due to the removal of groundwater. Signup and view all the answers

What role do soil and sediment play in groundwater?

Soil and sediment provide support to the ground above, but when groundwater dissolves these sediments, the ground sinks into the empty space, causing sinkholes. Signup and view all the answers

What is subsidence?

Subsidence is the sinking of the land surface into the ground, which can occur due to the removal of groundwater or the compaction and sinking of soil. Signup and view all the answers

How did extreme groundwater pumping in the San Joaquin Valley of California affect the land?

The excessive pumping caused the water table to sink 245 feet over 50 years, which resulted in the land sinking 30 feet. Signup and view all the answers

How are caverns formed?

Caverns are formed when groundwater dissolves sediment underground, creating large holes in the ground. Signup and view all the answers

What are stalactites and stalagmites?

Stalactites are icicle-shaped structures that form on the ceiling of caves when water drips and leaves behind sediment. Stalagmites are cone-shaped structures that form on the ground when water drips and collects sediment. Signup and view all the answers