The combination of the radioactive isotopes of hydrogen (tritium) and carbon (carbon-14) is especially effective in arid environments for locating sources of recharge, determining the age (time since recharge) of ground water, and identifying geologic controls on the movement of ground water.

Why is it important to study ground water?

Groundwater supplies drinking water for 51% of the total U.S. population and 99% of the rural population. Groundwater helps grow our food. Groundwater is an important component in many industrial processes. Groundwater is a source of recharge for lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

What is study of groundwater called?

The study of the distribution and movement of groundwater is hydrogeology, also called groundwater hydrology.

What is most commonly used to access groundwater?

Most groundwater, including a significant amount of our drinking water, comes from aquifers. In order to access this water, a well must be created by drilling a hole that reaches the aquifer. While wells are manmade points of discharge for aquifers, they also discharge naturally at springs and in wetlands.

What are the advantages of ground water?

The advantages of ground water are:i. Ground water does not evaporate.ii. It is helpful in maintaining the water levels of wells.iii. Ground water provides moisture to large amount of vegetation.iv. There is relatively few chances of contamination of ground water by human and animal waste.Jul 25, 2017

What are the drawbacks of groundwater?

Some of the negative effects of groundwater depletion: drying up of wells. reduction of water in streams and lakes. deterioration of water quality.

What is one disadvantage of using groundwater?

The disadvantages are the cost is greater and there is impurity from deeper well; water streams are condensed into surface water; the imposition of saltwater mixing into drinking water distributes close to coastal regions; for years aquifers polluted groundwater; land is descending because groundwater is being over