Groundwater hydrology, also known as hydrogeology or geohydrology, is the study of the water that resides beneath the surface of Earth in soil pore spaces and fractures of rock formations. It deals with the occurrence, distribution, and quantification of the groundwater. This underground water source is a crucial part of the water cycle, supplying wells, springs, and aquifers. Hydrologists use techniques like aquifer tests, water sampling, and computer modelling to understand groundwater flow and contamination risks. By restricting overuse and pollution of groundwater, we can protect this vital resource of life, ensuring it remains a reliable source of fresh water for future generations.
1. What is the zone of saturation in groundwater hydrology?
(A) The area where water infiltrates the soil
(B) The area where the pore spaces are completely filled with water
(C) The area where the pore spaces contain both air and water
(D) The area above the water table
2. What is the water table?
(A) The top of the zone of saturation
(B) The boundary between soil and bedrock
(C) The surface layer of an aquifer
(D) The depth at which groundwater is found
3. What is an aquifer?
(A) A body of rock that can store and transmit significant amounts of groundwater
(B) A type of spring
(C) A surface water reservoir
(D) A type of well
4. What is the process by which groundwater is replenished?
(A) Condensation
(B) Infiltration
(C) Transpiration
(D) Evaporation
5. What is the term for the movement of groundwater through the subsurface?
(A) Percolation
(B) Sublimation
(C) Diffusion
(D) Advection
6. What type of aquifer is bounded above and below by confining layers?
(A) Unconfined aquifer
(B) Confined aquifer
(C) Perched aquifer
(D) Artesian aquifer
7. Which type of well taps into a confined aquifer and allows water to rise above the top of the aquifer without pumping?
(A) Dug well
(B) Driven well
(C) Artesian well
(D) Collector well
8. What is the main cause of groundwater contamination?
(A) Natural filtration
(B) Over-pumping of wells
(C) Infiltration of pollutants from the surface
(D) Reduction in recharge areas
9. What is the hydraulic gradient?
(A) The slope of the water table
(B) The rate at which groundwater flows
(C) The pressure difference between two points in the groundwater
(D) The total volume of water in an aquifer
10. What is the primary function of a groundwater recharge area?
(A) To store groundwater
(B) To allow water to infiltrate and replenish an aquifer
(C) To provide a natural filtration system
(D) To create a natural barrier to groundwater flow
11. What is the primary factor that controls the storage and movement of groundwater in an aquifer?
(A) Soil colour
(B) Rock hardness
(C) Porosity and permeability
(D) Surface vegetation
12. Which type of rock typically forms the best aquifers due to its high porosity and permeability?
(A) Granite
(B) Shale
(C) Sandstone
(D) Basalt
13. What is a perched aquifer?
(A) An aquifer confined by two impermeable layers
(B) An aquifer that lies above the main water table due to an underlying impermeable layer
(C) An aquifer that extends below sea level
(D) An aquifer that is affected by tidal forces
14. Which term describes the area around a well where the water table has been lowered due to pumping?
(A) Cone of depression
(B) Hydraulic head
(C) Drawdown zone
(D) Saturated zone
15. What is the main purpose of groundwater modelling?
(A) To predict weather patterns
(B) To simulate and understand groundwater flow and contaminant transport
(C) To measure soil acidity
(D) To monitor seismic activity
