The correct explanation of how water infiltrates the ground to become groundwater is A. Water from rain or snow seeps into the soil and moves through permeable layers.
Here's a brief breakdown of the process:
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Infiltration: When it rains or snow melts, the water seeps into the soil surface. This process is called infiltration.
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Permeable Layers: As the water moves downward, it travels through soil and rock layers that are permeable, meaning they have spaces or cracks that allow water to pass through.
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Zone of Saturation: Eventually, the water reaches a layer of rock or soil that is less permeable or impermeable, where the spaces between particles are filled with water, creating the zone of saturation. Here, it becomes part of the groundwater system.
The other options do not accurately describe the process of groundwater formation:
- B describes evaporation and precipitation, not direct groundwater formation.
- C oversimplifies the relationship between surface water bodies and groundwater.
- D incorrectly suggests that water cannot move after it seeps into impermeable layers, while in reality, groundwater can be stored and moved within various geological formations.
1 answer