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Adventure #3:
Activity Instructions
Activity Instructions
In this activity, we’re going to examine some scenarios involving water use in a town. Then, you'll be able to answer the question, “why is water storage important?”
In this activity, we’re going to examine some scenarios involving water use in a town. Then, you'll be able to answer the question, “why is water storage important?”
For each option below, write down in your Field Journal whether the scenario would result in an increase or decrease in the total amount of water available. Then, click the arrows to see how your thoughts compare.
For each option below, write down in your Field Journal whether the scenario would result in an increase or decrease in the total amount of water available. Then, click the arrows to see how your thoughts compare.
Ready to begin? Good luck!
Ready to begin? Good luck!
from Kazimir, CC license
1. The area surrounding the town experiences a very dry winter with very little precipitation.
1. The area surrounding the town experiences a very dry winter with very little precipitation.
Answer: Decrease. Less precipitation means less water will seep into the aquifer supplying the town, resulting in less available water. Rivers and lakes the town relies upon for water may also see lower water levels.
2. A dam is built on the outskirts of the town. Within a few months, the area behind the dam has filled with river water.
2. A dam is built on the outskirts of the town. Within a few months, the area behind the dam has filled with river water.
Answer: Increase. By controlling the flow of water out of the dam, the townspeople can use the reservoir to store more water than if they let the river run throughout the year.
from Bob Heims, Army Corps of Engineers, CC license
from Wikimedia Commons, CC license
3. A new well is built on the outskirts of town on top of an aquifer. This well will be used to supply water to new neighborhoods and office buildings.
3. A new well is built on the outskirts of town on top of an aquifer. This well will be used to supply water to new neighborhoods and office buildings.
Answer: Decrease. If more houses and buildings are using water from a well, that means more water is being pulled out of the aquifer.
4. Heavy snowmelt occurs in the spring, causing minor flooding and erosion in the area.
4. Heavy snowmelt occurs in the spring, causing minor flooding and erosion in the area.
Answer: Increase. More snow melting off of high areas means more water will seep into the aquifer, resulting in more available water.
from Keith Bryant, CC license
Nice job completing the second activity! How did your predictions in your Field Journal compare to the answers? Why do each of these situations cause an increase or decrease in available water?
Go back into your Field Journal and think about those first questions you answered.
Why is water storage important in the area where you live?
Where is water stored near where you live?
Good work! You have earned your third Adventure Puzzle, the Water Storage Piece!
Just below this text, you can left-click on the puzzle piece, print it out, cut it out, and add it to your puzzle. If you need a new puzzle, feel free to print out a new one on the Home Page.
Ready for your next Adventure? Click the link below to explore Water Hazards!
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