Geography 101 The Physical Environment
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Video Assignment
"Groundwater"

This episode of the "Earth Revealed" series discussed the science and human impact on groundwater resources. Answer the questions below after viewing the video online.

To view the video go to the "Earth Revealed", scroll down to "Groundwater" (video #21) and click on the "VOD" button. You may be asked to register (for free) with the site. A broadband connection (campus networked computer lab, cable, DSL) is necessary to watch the video.

By the conclusion of the assignment you should be able to:

  • Describe how groundwater forms and flows beneath the surface.
  • Describe the properties of aquifers.
  • Explain how groundwater affects and is affected by surface water in lakes and streams.
  • Explain how overpumping causes land subsidence.
  • Describe how engineers manage and protect groundwater supplies.

Full Name:

Full email address (e.g., username@uwsp.edu)

 

1. Describe how water collects underground to form groundwater.

 

2. What are the ideal conditions for an aquifer? What kind of rock makes a good aquifer? What is an aquiclude?

 

3. What is the water table? Describe the correlation between the water table and surface topography.

 

4. Describe how groundwater and stream flow are related?

 

5. Compare and contrast open and closed aquifers.

 

6. How does Orange County California manage its groundwater to provide an adequate supply?

 

7. Explain how ground subsidence occurs by overpumping of groundwater.

 

8. Describe how coastal saltwater intrusion occurs.

 

9. Describe ways engineers are designing landfills to minimize groundwater pollution.

 

 

 10. What steps has Orange County, California taken to protect their groundwater supply from pollution.