Question

Groundwater mining in coastal areas can result into :
Option a: increase in the salinity of groundwater
Option b: increase in the water table
Option c: decrease in the toxicity of groundwater
Option d: decrease in the salinity of groundwater

Answer 1

Hint: The water which is present in the soil pores and in the fractures of rocks beneath the surface of the earth is called the groundwater. Groundwater may also exist in some rivers which are underground.

Complete answer: Groundwater mining in coastal areas can result in an increase in the salinity of groundwater. Groundwater mining is essential for our day to day life. Because of the activities like industrialization, the needs of a growing population and improper use, the groundwater is under great stress. We are facing water scarcity in the present time because of the mismanagement of underground water. The removal of water from the natural source which is contained in particular rock units which are called aquifers is called groundwater mining. In coastal regions, groundwater mining is very harmful because water from the sea reverses its flow towards the water which is being used when the water is drawn from the ground. This causes an increase in the salinity of groundwater. By using water well, groundwater can be extracted. The pores of rocks in the subsurface are saturated with water. This water can be pumped out for many works like industrial or municipal uses and agriculture. Saltwater may intrude into freshwater aquifers if too much groundwater is pumped near the coastal area. This causes contamination of the potable supply of freshwater.

Option a is the correct answer because groundwater mining in coastal areas can result in an increase in the salinity of groundwater.

Note: An underground layer of water-bearing permanent rocks or rock fractures is called an aquifer. Hydrology is the study of the flow of water in aquifers and their characterization.