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Chapter 19: Problem 11

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. . Is groundwater a renewable or a nonrenewable resource? Explain your answer. (F)

Short Answer

Expert verified
Groundwater is generally considered a renewable resource because it can be replenished naturally through precipitation. However, its renewability depends on proper management and sustainable usage practices, as it can become depleted in areas where extraction rates exceed replenishment rates.

Step by step solution

01

Define Renewable Resource

A renewable resource is a natural resource that can be replenished naturally over time at a rate that is equal to or greater than the rate of consumption. Examples include sunlight, wind, and oxygen.
02

Define Nonrenewable Resource

A nonrenewable resource is a natural resource that cannot be replenished to a degree on a human timescale. Once it has been used up, it takes an extremely long time to regenerate or is gone forever. Examples include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, and minerals like copper and uranium.
03

Explain Groundwater

Groundwater is water stored underground in soil and rock layers, often in aquifers. It originates from precipitation that infiltrates the ground and fills the spaces between soil particles and rock layers. Groundwater is a critical resource for agriculture, industry, and drinking water supplies for many communities.
04

Determine if Groundwater is Renewable or Nonrenewable

Groundwater is considered a renewable resource because it can be replenished through the natural water cycle, specifically through precipitation. However, the rate of replenishment can be slow, particularly in regions with low precipitation or high water usage. When groundwater is extracted faster than it can be replenished, it could become depleted and eventually act as a nonrenewable resource in that particular location. It is crucial to manage groundwater supplies sustainably to prevent depletion and maintain its renewable status.
05

Summarize the Answer

In conclusion, groundwater is generally considered a renewable resource because it can be replenished naturally through precipitation. However, it can become depleted in areas where extraction rates exceed replenishment rates, making its renewability dependent on proper management and sustainable usage practices.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. How does excessive pumping affect the local water table? (F)

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. What are some sources of groundwater contamination? How can it be prevented? (F)

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. What does Darcy's law tell us about rates of discharge in groundwater? (A)

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. What is a water table, and what factors affect its level? What factors affect the flow direction of the water below the water table? (C)

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. How do porosity and permeability differ? Where would porosity and permeability be higher in this figure? Give examples of substances with high porosity but low permeability. (B)
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