15. What happens when groundwater is pumped faster than it can be replenished?

Question

ground water becomes stable
water table rises
saltwater intrusion and soil salinization occur
more freshwater is created

16. what role does water play in energy production
it is used to generate solar power
it cools power plants and is used in hydroelectric dam
it is used in coal mining
it reduces electricity demand

17. how has the water cycle been most impacted by global warming
increased evaporation
increased condensation
increased freezing of glaciers
increased melting of underground water source

18. why is hydraulic fracturing (fracking) controversial?
it has no environmental impact
it helps to clean groundwater sources
it increases water availability
chemicals added to water during the process can contaminate groundwater

Answer 1

Here are the answers to your questions:

15. What happens when groundwater is pumped faster than it can be replenished?

• Answer: saltwater intrusion and soil salinization occur. When groundwater is over-extracted, the water table drops, and saltwater can intrude into freshwater aquifers, leading to contamination and soil salinity problems.

16. What role does water play in energy production?

• Answer: it cools power plants and is used in hydroelectric dams. Water is critical in various energy production methods, particularly in cooling processes in thermal power plants and as a key resource for generating hydroelectric power.

17. How has the water cycle been most impacted by global warming?

• Answer: increased evaporation. Global warming leads to higher temperatures, which increase the rate of evaporation from water bodies, affecting the entire water cycle.

18. Why is hydraulic fracturing (fracking) controversial?

• Answer: chemicals added to water during the process can contaminate groundwater. Fracking has raised concerns about the potential for chemical contamination of water supplies and other environmental impacts.