Question

look at the table. if water continues to be used at the current rate, predict what the saturated thickness will be in 2015?
it will be near 10 meters.
it will be greater than 12 meters.
there will be no change in thickness.
done
year \t saturated thickness
1975 \t 32.77 m (107.51 ft)
1980 \t 29.11 m (95.51 ft)
1985 \t 25.68 m (84.25 ft)
1990 \t 22.48 m (73.75 ft)
1995 \t 19.43 m (63.75 ft)
2000 \t 16.84 m (55.25 ft)
2005 \t 14.55 m (47.74 ft)
2010 \t 12.27 m (40.26 ft)

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate annual thickness loss

First, find the total change between 1975 and 2010, then divide by the number of years.
Total change: $32.77\ \text{m} - 12.27\ \text{m} = 20.5\ \text{m}$
Number of years: $2010 - 1975 = 35\ \text{years}$
Annual loss: $\frac{20.5}{35} \approx 0.586\ \text{m/year}$

Step2: Estimate 5-year loss to 2015

Calculate thickness loss over 5 years (2010 to 2015).
5-year loss: $0.586\ \text{m/year} \times 5\ \text{years} \approx 2.93\ \text{m}$

Step3: Predict 2015 thickness

Subtract 5-year loss from 2010 thickness.
2015 thickness: $12.27\ \text{m} - 2.93\ \text{m} \approx 9.34\ \text{m}$

Answer:

It will be near 10 meters.