What is the fundamental effect of excessive groundwater withdrawal?

What is the fundamental effect of excessive groundwater withdrawal?

• A. Increased biodiversity
• B. Stabilization of land surfaces
• C. Subsidence of the ground surface
• D. Improvement of aquifer recharge rates

Answer: (C)

Excessive groundwater withdrawal leads to subsidence of the ground surface because when large amounts of groundwater are extracted, the pressure that water exerts against the surrounding soil and rock layers is reduced. This pressure allows the ground to settle and compact, leading to a lowering of the land surface. In many areas, especially those relying heavily on groundwater for agriculture or urban supply, this effect can be significant, leading to structural damage and disruption of natural drainage patterns. Some areas may experience irreversible subsidence, resulting in long-term challenges for infrastructure and land use management. The other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of excessive groundwater withdrawal; for example, increased biodiversity and improved aquifer recharge rates are not typically associated with high levels of groundwater extraction. On the contrary, these practices can negatively impact ecosystems and the natural replenishment processes of aquifers. Therefore, subsidence represents a direct and measurable effect of excessive groundwater extraction.

Excessive groundwater withdrawal leads to subsidence of the ground surface because when large amounts of groundwater are extracted, the pressure that water exerts against the surrounding soil and rock layers is reduced. This pressure allows the ground to settle and compact, leading to a lowering of the land surface.

In many areas, especially those relying heavily on groundwater for agriculture or urban supply, this effect can be significant, leading to structural damage and disruption of natural drainage patterns. Some areas may experience irreversible subsidence, resulting in long-term challenges for infrastructure and land use management.

The other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of excessive groundwater withdrawal; for example, increased biodiversity and improved aquifer recharge rates are not typically associated with high levels of groundwater extraction. On the contrary, these practices can negatively impact ecosystems and the natural replenishment processes of aquifers. Therefore, subsidence represents a direct and measurable effect of excessive groundwater extraction.