Groundwater Activity Worksheet Introduction
You have learned a lot about groundwater, including how it cycles through Earth's geosphere and why it is important to organisms in the biosphere, including humans. To demonstrate your understanding of these topics, follow the procedures and complete the reflection questions below.
Procedures:
1. Read the articles: Groundwater Use and Overuse and Hudson River in the lesson.
2. Answer the reflection questions for each article. Within the Groundwater Use and Overuse article, use the simulation to answer reflection questions.
3. Some reflection questions ask you to research using internet resources. Be sure to cite the source of your research.
4. Use your own words when responding to the reflection questions.
Reflection Questions- Article 1
1. Using the simulation, describe what happens to groundwater when pumping is lower or equal to the rate of infiltration.
2. Using the simulation, describe what happens to the stream and water table as the number of pumps running is increased.
3. How can water needs be met if the rate of infiltration is lower than the rate of pumping?
4. In the simulation, what happened to the stream as the water table dropped? What will happen to the groundwater if a pollutant is added to the stream?
5. Predict long-term changes to the surface landscape of the area if too much water is drawn from the ground and the water table drops further.
Reflection Questions- Article 2
1. How long did the initial contamination of the Hudson River last?
2. Why did contamination continue and spread after the initial contamination was stopped?
3. How did the mass contamination affect wildlife in the area?
4. Why do you think they limit navigational dredging in the Hudson?
5. After a massive clean-up, why will contamination continue for decades after?