As people pump water out of the ground, the water table can lower. Which of the following are possible consequences of a lower water table? Select the two correct answers.(1 point)

Question

Responses

cleaner water
cleaner water

saltwater intrusion
saltwater intrusion

rising sea levels
rising sea levels

larger aquifers
larger aquifers

land subsidence

Answer 1

The two possible consequences of a lower water table are:

1. Saltwater intrusion - As freshwater is pumped out of aquifers, the pressure is reduced, which can allow saltwater from nearby bodies of water to move into the aquifer, contaminating it.

2. Land subsidence - When water is pumped out of the ground, the support that the water provides to the soil can be diminished, leading to the sinking or settling of the land surface.

So, the correct answers are saltwater intrusion and land subsidence.