Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Billions of people rely on a valuable underground resource that’s
rapidly declining in certain areas, study says
An aquifer is a geological formation that can store and transmit water
underground. Aquifers play a crucial role in providing a sustainable source of groundwater
for various human activities, including drinking water supply, agriculture, and
industrial processes. Wells can be drilled into the aquifers and water can be
pumped out. Precipitation and melted ice and snow eventually add water recharge
into the porous rock of the aquifer. However, over-extraction of aquifers can
lead to the depletion of groundwater resources. As we’ve been experiencing
global warming and more extreme weather conditions, has the world's groundwater
been replenished enough for increasing population, agricultural needs, and industrialization?
According to new research that analyzed millions of groundwater levels in 40
countries, rapid depletion of groundwater levels has been measured. Because of
global warming, some places haven’t had sufficient water supply from snow or ice,
just like Kashmir’s snowless winter (Vol.4295-1/27/2024). If there isn’t enough
precipitation in the rainy season, there will be water shortages in those areas
unless water usage is properly managed. Groundwater is a crucial water resource
in many parts of the world.
Read the article and learn about the invisible water reservoir under
the ground.
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