Laboratory Manual for Introductory Geology 4e

EXERCISE 14.4
Effects of a Changing Water Table
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A family builds a home on a small rise near a stream during a period of normal rainfall and gets its water from a well drilled
into the zone of saturation (like the one shown in Fig. 14.6).
(a) During an extended drought, the water table will drop to the level shown by the blue line in Figure 14.6. What effect
will this have on the local pond and stream?
(b) How will the change in water table elevation affect the family?
(c) What do you suggest they could do to remedy this problem?
Historical records show that during abnormally wet years, the water table has risen as high as the elevation shown by the
yellow line in Figure 14.6.
(d) What effect will this have on the stream and pond?
(e) What effect will this have on the family’s home?
(continued )
372 CHAPTER 14 GROUNDWATER AS A LANDSCAPE FORMER AND RESOURCE