End of Unit Exam

True of False

1. Geology is the study of the earth, its processes, and its past.
2. Sedimentary rocks cannot be metamorphosed.
3. Aquifers only contain water.
4. Water from aquifers are a major source of water for cities today.
5. Wells are used to draw water from aquifers.
6. Porosity is defined as the amount of void space in a rock.
7. Aquifers have natural mechanisms to protect against contamination.
8. Darcy’s law is used to calculate flow volumes within aquifers.
9. Aquifers will last forever and do not need human attention.
10. Being a geologist/hydrologist is the only way to work with aquifers.

Short Essay

1. Describe the water cycle from the perspective of a water droplet. Start at any point in the water cycle and go through all the points.
2. What is the concept of recharge, discharge, and overdraft? How do they relate to sustainability?
3. Tell me three common human contaminants one might find in an aquifer. How would these contaminants get in the aquifer?

Essays

1. A landfill will be built near a recharge area zone for a local aquifer. Modern landfills are highly engineered to minimize undesirable runoff, but there are some obvious reasons that local citizens may resist. But with the landfill, the city will get millions of dollars over several years from other cities using the landfill. Would you as a local member of the community support or protest against a landfill? Why or why not?
2. Your city plans to use more aquifer water due to a drought that is shrinking surface water supplies. As of now there are no other plans but to simply pump the water out to meet demands until the drought is over. What are some potential problems you see and do you have any suggestions in this time of need?