Questions and Answers
Which term describes how well connected the pore spaces in a rock or sediment are?
Which term describes the volume of open space in a rock or sediment?
Which of the following would likely have the highest porosity?
What describes how well connected the pore spaces in a rock or sediment are?
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What describes the volume of open space in a rock or sediment?
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Which of the following would likely have the highest porosity?
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What describes how well connected the pore spaces in a rock or sediment are?
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What describes the volume of open space in a rock or sediment?
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Which of the following would likely have the highest porosity?
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___ the water table, all of the pore spaces are saturated with water.
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Which of the following would likely have the lowest permeability?
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What prevents the flow of groundwater?
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If groundwater is pumped out of a well faster than the groundwater can flow to replace it, what will happen to the level of the water table?
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Porosity generally increases as ___(select all that apply).
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Which of these rock properties would be most helpful in determining the rate at which groundwater could be pumped from a well sustainably?
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Which of these sectors uses the most water in Colorado?
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What are the two primary sources of water for the City of Fort Collins?
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Which of the following would likely have the highest porosity?
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An ideal aquifer would have ___ porosity and ___ permeability.
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Which of the following are possible impacts of over-pumping groundwater?(select all that apply)
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Where is most of Earth's liquid freshwater held?(select all that apply)
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Shale has ___ permeability and is ___ groundwater flow.
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Study Notes
Water Resource Terminology
- Permeability refers to the connectivity of pore spaces in rock or sediment, influencing how easily water can flow through.
- Porosity indicates the volume of open space in a rock or sediment, crucial for determining how much water can be stored.
Porosity in Rocks
- Well-sorted unconsolidated sand typically has the highest porosity due to its structure allowing more open space.
- Poorly-sorted mixtures, like silt, sand, and gravel, have lower porosity compared to well-sorted gravel.
Groundwater and the Water Table
- Above the water table, pore spaces may not be saturated, while below, they are completely saturated.
- If groundwater is extracted faster than it can be replenished, the water table will decline.
Groundwater Movement and Rock Types
- Clay has the lowest permeability among common materials, inhibiting water flow compared to gravel and sand.
- An aquitard acts as a barrier, preventing groundwater flow, impacting aquifer recharge.
Aquifer Characteristics
- An ideal aquifer exhibits high porosity and high permeability, facilitating both water storage and flow.
Groundwater Management Impacts
- Over-pumping groundwater can lead to several negative consequences, including a declining water table, ground subsidence, and drying out shallow wells.
Freshwater Sources
- The majority of Earth's liquid freshwater is found in groundwater, followed by lakes, wetlands, and rivers.
- Fort Collins relies primarily on the Cache la Poudre River and Horsetooth Reservoir as its main water sources.
Additional Insights
- An aquifer's sustainability is best evaluated through its permeability, influencing the rate at which groundwater can be sustainably extracted without depleting resources.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key concepts of water resources through flashcards! This quiz covers important terms such as porosity and permeability, essential for understanding groundwater movement. Boost your understanding of water-related topics with these interactive flashcards.
