Understanding Watersheds and Groundwater

Water table = The level where rocks and soil are saturated with water Aquifer = A body of rock or sediment that stores and allows the flow of groundwater Porosity = The percentage of open spaces in a rock or sediment Permeability = The ability of a rock or sediment to let fluids pass through its open spaces

Gravel = Permeable Clay = Impermeable Granite = Impermeable Sand = Permeable

Groundwater dissolving rock formations = Filling vast caves with water Rapid melting snow and summer rains = Dramatically increasing the amount of water in a watershed Water table having peaks and valleys = Matching the shape of the land above Porous rock holding more water = Having higher porosity

<p>Most fresh water for human use exists underground = True Groundwater flowing from peaks to valleys = True Aquifers being an important water source for many cities = True Materials such as sand consisting of open spaces where water can accumulate = True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Agricultural use = Most of the fresh water used worldwide Industrial use = Accounts for about 19% of the water used in the world Residential use = About 8% of water is used by households Total industrial use in North America and Europe = Highest percent of industrial water use</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sandstone = Forms productive aquifers Limestone = Forms productive aquifers Layers of sand and gravel = Form productive aquifers Clay = Does not form productive aquifers</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Physical and chemical treatment = A common method of treating water to make it potable Boiling = A method of treating water to make it potable Filtration = A method of treating water to make it potable Chlorination = A method of treating water to make it potable</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Recharge zone = An area in which water travels downward to become part of an aquifer Potable = Means suitable for drinking Pathogen = A virus, microorganism, or other substance that causes disease Permeability = The ability of a material to allow liquids or gases to pass through it</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>United States = Average person uses about 300 L of water a day India = Average person uses only 41 L of water everyday Europe = Residential water use is high Africa = Low residential water use</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>A body of rock or sediment that stores groundwater and allows the flow of groundwater</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The percentage of the total volume of a rock or sediment that consists of open spaces</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The ability of a rock or sediment to let fluids pass through its open spaces or pores</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Permeable materials like gravel</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Impermeable materials like clay or granite</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An area in which water travels downward to become part of an aquifer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Any pollution in the recharge zone can also enter the aquifer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A hole that is dug or drilled to reach groundwater.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Suitable for drinking.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sewage or animal feces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>19%</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Irrigating crops.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>300 L</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>41 L</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sandstone, limestone, layers of sand and gravel.</p> Signup and view all the answers