Which of the following Situations can be attributed to sustained excessive groundwater pumping in a basin? 1. Drying up of small Lakes and streams over a period in spite of normal rainfall 2. Deterioration of groundwater quality in certain aquifers 3. Land subsidence in the basin 4. Increase in seismic activity 5. Increased cost of groundwater extraction
Which of the following Situations can be attributed to sustained excessive groundwater pumping in a basin? 1. Drying up of small Lakes and streams over a period in spite of normal rainfall 2. Deterioration of groundwater quality in certain aquifers 3. Land subsidence in the basin 4. Increase in seismic activity 5. Increased cost of groundwater extraction Correct Answer 1. 2, 3 and 5 only
Concept:
Some negative effects of excessive groundwater depletion from a basin are:
- Drying up of wells, streams and lakes: Excessive pumping results in reduction in water level in wells, streams and lakes and in extreme cases those can be dried up in spite of normal rainfall. This is because water is being pumped out even before the ground water can be recharged by the rainfall.
- Deterioration of water quality: In case of aquifers in coastal areas, under natural conditions the boundary between the freshwater and saltwater tends to be relatively stable, but excessive pumping can cause saltwater to migrate inland and upward, resulting in saltwater contamination and degradation of the water quality.
- Increased ground water extraction costs: As the water table lowers, the water must be pumped from greater depth to reach the surface which involves more energy. So, it will increase the cost of extraction of ground water substantially.
- Land subsidence: Land subsidence occurs when there is a loss of support below ground. The overuse of groundwater results in reduction in compactness and shearing strength of soil, which leads to land subsidence.
Note: Seismic activity predominantly occurs either due to tectonic activities under the earth’s core or due to volcanic eruptions. There is no relation between excessive ground water depletion and seismic activity.
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Feb 20, 2025