Final answer:
It is false that curtailing groundwater use will result in the rebound of land surface after subsidence. Subsidence, once it has occurred, is generally irreversible due to soil compaction and other geological factors, even if groundwater recharge takes place.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that groundwater withdrawal has caused surface subsidence, and that curtailing its use will result in the rebound of the land surface, is False. Once subsidence has occurred, especially if it is due to soil compaction, the process is generally irreversible. Even if groundwater use is reduced and recharge occurs, the compacted soil layers do not typically expand to their former volume. The withdrawal of groundwater can lead to problems such as lowered water tables, the creation of cones of depression, and the potential for saltwater intrusion in coastal areas. Additionally, subsidence can lead to a decrease in aquifer storage capacity and an increased flood risk due to the reduced elevation.
Additionally, subsidence might be connected with other non-reversible geological processes or with the consolidation of aquifer systems, which precludes any significant rebound. Therefore, while reducing groundwater withdrawal and enhancing recharge are important for sustainability and preventing further subsidence, they cannot reverse subsidence that has already occurred.