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Course: AP®︎/College Environmental science > Unit 4

Lesson 2: Effects of land and water use I

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Effects of land and water use I

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The Ogallala Aquifer is at risk of depletion because its rate of withdrawal exceeds its rate of recharge.

Which statement best explains why aquifers, like the Ogallala, tend to have low recharge rates?

(Choice A)
Groundwater moves so quickly through soil that it passes into the spaces below the aquifer.
(Choice B)
Groundwater tends to move slowly through soil to deep rock and aquifers.
(Choice C)
As aquifers recharge they become larger, so it is harder to fill the expanded space.
(Choice D)
As aquifers lose water they become smaller, so there is less space to refill.

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