Question

question 14 of 26
between 1955 and 1977, groundwater was used to irrigate crops in the san joaquin valley. which of these was a consequence?

a. wetland sprawl
b. groundwater depletion
c. an increase in ground altitude
d. a decrease in soil salinity

Explanation:

When groundwater is used extensively for irrigation (like in the San Joaquin Valley between 1955 - 1977), the amount of groundwater in aquifers decreases over time. Wetland sprawl would require more water, not less, so A is incorrect. Groundwater depletion causes land subsidence (decrease in ground altitude), not an increase, so C is wrong. Irrigation can sometimes increase soil salinity (due to water evaporation leaving salts), so D is incorrect. Only B (groundwater depletion) is a direct consequence of over - extracting groundwater for irrigation.

Answer:

B. Groundwater depletion