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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY In many countries, irrigation is depleting aquifers to
Chapter 37, Problem 13(choose chapter or problem)
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY In many countries, irrigation is depleting aquifers to such an extent that land is subsiding, harvests are decreasing, and it is becoming necessary to drill wells deeper. In many cases, the withdrawal of groundwater has now greatly surpassed the aquifers rates of natural recharge. Discuss the possible consequences of this trend. What can society and science do to help alleviate this growing problem?
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QUESTION:
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY In many countries, irrigation is depleting aquifers to such an extent that land is subsiding, harvests are decreasing, and it is becoming necessary to drill wells deeper. In many cases, the withdrawal of groundwater has now greatly surpassed the aquifers rates of natural recharge. Discuss the possible consequences of this trend. What can society and science do to help alleviate this growing problem?
ANSWER:The consequences of this trend are far-reaching. Increased demand for water, coupled with decreasing yields of groundwater, means farmers will be forced to look elsewhere for water, leading to a decrease in crop production. Additionally, over-draining of aquifers can lead to land subsidence, causing structural problems for buildings or roads near the aquifers. This can be extremely costly and dangerous.
As a society, we need to be mindful of our water usage and take steps to reduce and conserve water. Governments need to provide inc