What might cause a well to hold less water each year?(1 point)
Responses
The groundwater reaches freezing temperature.
The groundwater reaches freezing temperature.
The rocks in the well become harder.
The rocks in the well become harder.
An earthquake shifted the aquifer to a new spot.
An earthquake shifted the aquifer to a new spot.
The aquifer has slowly become dry over time.
The aquifer has slowly become dry over time.
The aquifer has slowly become dry over time.
The correct answer is "The aquifer has slowly become dry over time." This is because over time, the aquifer, which is the underground layer of water-bearing rock, sand, or gravel, can become depleted or dry up, resulting in the well holding less water each year.
To determine the cause, you can consider the following factors:
1. Geological conditions: Assess if there have been any changes in the geological composition of the aquifer. For example, if the rocks in the well have become harder, it may indicate decreased permeability, which can lead to less water being stored in the well.
2. Environmental changes: Evaluate if natural events like earthquakes have occurred in the area. An earthquake can potentially shift the aquifer, making it harder for the well to access water.
3. Climate considerations: Analyze if there have been any changes in temperature patterns over time. Freezing temperatures can affect the storage and availability of groundwater.
4. Long-term trends: Observe if there is a consistent, gradual decrease in water levels over several years. This could indicate the aquifer slowly becoming dry.
Understanding these factors and examining historical data, geological surveys, and hydrological studies can help determine the cause of a well holding less water each year.