Understanding Watersheds and Groundwater

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Match the following terms with their definitions:

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

Match the following materials with their permeability characteristics:

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

Match the following occurrences with their results:

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

Match the following statements with their true descriptions:

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 Signup and view all the answers

Match the water use with the percentage of water used in the world:

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 Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of materials with their potential to form productive aquifers:

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

Match the water treatment method with its description:

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 Signup and view all the answers

Match the term with its definition:

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 Signup and view all the answers

Match the region with its residential water use per person:

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is the level known as where the rocks and soil are saturated with water?

Water table Signup and view all the answers

What is an aquifer?

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

What does porosity measure?

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

What is permeability?

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

What type of materials allow the flow of water?

Permeable materials like gravel Signup and view all the answers

What types of materials stop the flow of water?

Impermeable materials like clay or granite Signup and view all the answers

What is a recharge zone?

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

What is the main reason for considering recharge zones as environmentally sensitive areas?

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

What is a well?

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

What is the definition of 'potable'?

Suitable for drinking. Signup and view all the answers

What are pathogens found in water contaminated by?

Sewage or animal feces. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of water used in the world is accounted for by industry?

19% Signup and view all the answers

What is the main use of fresh water worldwide?

Irrigating crops. Signup and view all the answers

What is the average daily water use per person in the United States?

300 L Signup and view all the answers

What is the average daily water use per person in India?

41 L Signup and view all the answers

What are the main materials that form productive aquifers?

Sandstone, limestone, layers of sand and gravel. Signup and view all the answers