The area shown on this cross section will experience subsidence from groundwater withdrawal.Which of the following statements is likely to be true about the subsidence?
A)the amount of subsidence will be constant across the area
B)the aquifer will regain its porosity once the water is replaced
C)the subsidence can be reversed (undone)by pumping in saltwater
D)none of these

Question

The area shown on this cross section will experience subsidence from groundwater withdrawal.Which of the following statements is likely to be true about the subsidence? 
A)the amount of subsidence will be constant across the area 
B)the aquifer will regain its porosity once the water is replaced 
C)the subsidence can be reversed (undone)by pumping in saltwater 
D)none of these

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

None of the given statements are likely to be true about the subsidence. The amount of subsidence may vary across the area and is dependent on various factors such as the rate of withdrawal, the porosity and compressibility of the aquifer, and the geological makeup of the area. The aquifer may not regain its porosity once the water is replaced, as the compaction and consolidation of the soil may become irreversible. Also, pumping in saltwater may not reverse the subsidence and may even exacerbate the problem by increasing the salt content of the groundwater.

The Area Shown on This Cross Section Will Experience Subsidence