Question

Which source has the widest range of residence time

Answer 1

The source with the widest range of residence time would be the one that retains a substance for the longest period before discharging it. Examples include large bodies of water such as lakes or oceans.

Step-by-step explanation:

The residence time of a substance refers to the average time it spends in a particular place or system before it is either removed or transformed. In the case of sources, a residence time can refer to how long a substance stays in a given source before being discharged elsewhere. In the context of the question, the source with the widest range of residence time would be the one that retains the substance for the longest period before discharging it.

Without more specific information about the sources being considered, it is difficult to determine the exact source with the widest range of residence time. However, examples of sources that can have a wide range of residence time include large bodies of water, such as lakes or oceans, where substances may remain for long periods before being transported or removed through various processes.

For instance, consider a pollutant discharged into a large lake. Depending on the physical and chemical properties of the pollutant, it may take weeks, months, or even years for it to be diluted or removed from the lake. In contrast, a pollutant discharged into a small stream or river may be quickly carried away and dispersed into the larger water system.

Answer 2

Underground water source

Step-by-step explanation:

Underground water source has the widest range of residence time. Underground water are usually present deep under the ground and are formed from the rainfall seeping into the soil and remaining there. Evaporation takes a bit of the water and the remaining are usually present for a very long time.

Underground water residence time usually ranges between few weeks to a thousand years which depicts a very wide range.