Question
The map below shows the locations of three major groundwater sources in the United States. On the map, the groundwater sources are shown in red, and the regions containing them are numbered.
Image courtesy of the United States Geological Survey
Which statement could best explain why groundwater sources are located in these regions?
A.
These regions once experienced volcanic activity that deposited a layer of permeable rock near the Earth's surface.
B.
Unlike most of the United States, these regions receive a high amount of precipitation and contain non-porous soil.
C.
These regions once experienced volcanic activity that contributed a thick layer of impermeable rock to the Earth's surface.
D.
Unlike most of the United States, these regions receive a low amount of precipitation and contain moderately porous soil.
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Image courtesy of the United States Geological Survey
Which statement could best explain why groundwater sources are located in these regions?
A.
These regions once experienced volcanic activity that deposited a layer of permeable rock near the Earth's surface.
B.
Unlike most of the United States, these regions receive a high amount of precipitation and contain non-porous soil.
C.
These regions once experienced volcanic activity that contributed a thick layer of impermeable rock to the Earth's surface.
D.
Unlike most of the United States, these regions receive a low amount of precipitation and contain moderately porous soil.
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Answers
GPT-4o mini
To determine which statement best explains why groundwater sources are located in the regions shown, we need to consider the characteristics associated with groundwater accumulation. Groundwater sources are typically found in regions with sufficient precipitation and permeable geological formations that allow water to seep into the ground.
Let's evaluate the options:
A. **These regions once experienced volcanic activity that deposited a layer of permeable rock near the Earth's surface.**
- This can be plausible because permeable rock layers can facilitate groundwater accumulation.
B. **Unlike most of the United States, these regions receive a high amount of precipitation and contain non-porous soil.**
- This is less likely because non-porous soil does not allow water to seep through, which is essential for groundwater accumulation.
C. **These regions once experienced volcanic activity that contributed a thick layer of impermeable rock to the Earth's surface.**
- This would generally inhibit groundwater accumulation, as impermeable rock layers would prevent water from entering the groundwater system.
D. **Unlike most of the United States, these regions receive a low amount of precipitation and contain moderately porous soil.**
- This option contradicts the idea that regions with groundwater sources require sufficient precipitation for replenishment.
Given this analysis, the best explanation among the options is **A**, as it highlights the presence of permeable rock due to past volcanic activity, which can support groundwater sources.
Let's evaluate the options:
A. **These regions once experienced volcanic activity that deposited a layer of permeable rock near the Earth's surface.**
- This can be plausible because permeable rock layers can facilitate groundwater accumulation.
B. **Unlike most of the United States, these regions receive a high amount of precipitation and contain non-porous soil.**
- This is less likely because non-porous soil does not allow water to seep through, which is essential for groundwater accumulation.
C. **These regions once experienced volcanic activity that contributed a thick layer of impermeable rock to the Earth's surface.**
- This would generally inhibit groundwater accumulation, as impermeable rock layers would prevent water from entering the groundwater system.
D. **Unlike most of the United States, these regions receive a low amount of precipitation and contain moderately porous soil.**
- This option contradicts the idea that regions with groundwater sources require sufficient precipitation for replenishment.
Given this analysis, the best explanation among the options is **A**, as it highlights the presence of permeable rock due to past volcanic activity, which can support groundwater sources.