Earth Science exam 2: Groundwater and Water issues

What are the processes that move water in the global water cycle?

• evaporation + transportation into atmosphere 

• precipitation over oceans & land 

• runoff in rivers 

• infiltration into ground

  • interception by plants

  • through flow in soil

What is an aquifer?

A material with high porosity & permeability - sand and gravel

What is an aquitard?

A material with low porosity & permeability

Where is the water source for Cortland, and why are the water storage tanks of the city ad campus on top of college hill?

• From ground water aquifer - underground wells 

• so gravity can help move water through the system - water flows downhill with enough pressure for homes, it saved energy, and still supplies water during power outages 

What is the largest user of water in the USA Today?

Thermoelectric power

Where does New York City get its water supply from?

Dams & Reservoirs

How do dams and reservoirs affect sediment transport in rivers? 

• They trap sediment

• dams get old and weaken (only last for 10s to few 100s years) 

• damns can fail - burst = flash flood 

• permanent flood 

• disrupt fish migration 

• reservoirs can go dry 

What water supply problem affects coastal wells on Long Island if they pump too much?

• Can draw in saltwater