Problem 1
Imagine a water molecule that is part of a groundwater system in an area of gently rolling hills in the eastern United States. Describe some possible paths the molecule might take through the hydrologic cycle if: a. it were pumped from the ground to irrigate a farm field. b. there was a long period of heavy rainfall. c. the water table in the vicinity of the molecule developed a steep cone of depression due to heavy pumping from a nearby well. Combine your understanding of the hydrologic cycle with your imagination and include possible short-term and long-term destinations and information as to how the molecule gets to these places via evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff. Remember to consider possible interactions with streams, lakes, groundwater, the ocean, and the atmosphere.
Problem 2
Identify a location in the United States where you might find (a) a gaining stream, and (b) a losing stream. Why did you choose each location? Describe a situation that would cause a gaining stream to become a losing stream. Also describe a situation in which a losing stream becomes a gaining stream.
Problem 3
Which one of the three basic rock types (igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic) has the greatest likelihood of being a good aquifer? Why?
Problem 4
During a trip to the grocery store, your friend wants to buy some bottled water. Some brands promote the fact that their product is artesian. Other brands boast that their water comes from a spring. Your friend asks, "Is artesian water or spring water necessarily better than water from other sources?" How would you answer?
Problem 5
What is the likely difference between an intermittent stream (one that flows off and on) and a stream that flows all the time, even during extended dry periods?
