Final answer:
The practice of removing water from an aquifer faster than it is replaced is known as groundwater mining, which leads to declining water tables and environmental issues. Recharge areas are crucial for adding water back into aquifers, which is essential for maintaining a sustainable water supply and ecosystem health. Option 12) groundwater mining is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Removal of water from an aquifer faster than it is replaced is referred to as groundwater mining. This unsustainable practice leads to a decrease in the water table, which can result in the need for deeper and more expensive wells that might encounter saline groundwater. Overpumping can also cause environmental problems, such as saltwater intrusion in coastal areas, subsidence, and the redirection of pollution due to changes in groundwater flow.
Groundwater serves as a significant fresh water reservoir and is stored in aquifers, which are porous layers of rock and soil that hold water. Aquifers can be replenished or recharged by water that percolates down through the ground but can be vastly depleted through excessive pumping for agriculture, personal use, or industrial applications. It is critical to maintain a stable water table to prevent harm to ecosystems and maintain a sustainable water supply for human and agricultural needs.
Adding water to recharge areas is essential to replenish groundwater and increase the amount of water in an aquifer. It counteracts the depleting effects of excessive groundwater withdrawal, maintaining the balance necessary for a stable water supply and ecosystem health. Understanding the concepts of porosity, permeability, aquifers, and the dynamics of groundwater flow is vital for managing our water resources effectively.