Final answer:
Groundwater recharge is the process by which groundwater levels are replenished, usually through precipitation or other sources of water that percolate down to aquifers. Adding water to a recharge area increases the amount of groundwater. Excessive removal of groundwater can lead to various geological and environmental problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The set of processes by which groundwater is replenished is termed Groundwater recharge. The other options listed are different phenomena related to groundwater but do not describe its replenishment. Groundwater recharge occurs when water from precipitation or other sources percolates down through the soil and reaches the aquifers. This is crucial for maintaining the groundwater levels and ensuring a sustainable supply of fresh water for various uses, such as drinking and irrigation. Adding water to a recharge area, such as through the establishment of wetlands, increases the amount of groundwater available as it allows more water to infiltrate and replenish the aquifers.
The removal of groundwater, especially when done extensively through wells, can lead to various issues including the formation of a cone of depression, where the local water table around the well drops. Over-extraction of groundwater, also known as groundwater mining, can lead to more severe consequences including land subsidence, sinkholes, and the intrusion of saltwater into freshwater aquifers.