earthsystemsscience-fortlewiscollege（7页）.docVIP

Earth Systems Science Laboratory 10 Groundwater Introduction: Even though groundwater only makes up an estimated 0.61% of the water on Earth, it accounts for 98% of the available fresh water (Fetter, 1999). In many parts of the world (including southwestern North America) water is the primary limiting resource for society and the surrounding ecosystems. Despite the central role of groundwater’s importance to society, few citizens understand even the basics of groundwater flow. You need to understand the fundamentals of groundwater flow and contamination. It may save you thousands of dollars when purchasing a home, it may save your community million of dollars in clean up costs, and it might preserve the rich biotic diversity in riparian areas. In this lab we will explore the basics of groundwater movement, the effects of pumping wells, and groundwater contamination using a ground water model that looks rather like an ant farm. You will work in teams of 2-4 people depending upon the size of your lab group. Goals and Objectives: The groundwater “ant farm” model provides a wonderful hands-on experience that allows you to observe and manipulate a miniature hydrologic system. You and your lab partners will be able to see the results of changing recharge, pumping wells, and the surface contamination. Specifically you will Observe the saturated and unsaturated zones of the aquifer in the model Manipulate and observe variations in recharge and discharge Observe, record and explain what causes groundwater to flow. Observe the connections between surface water and groundwater using dyes. Examine the effect of pumping water from a well on groundwater flow. Create an artesian spring. Observe and manipulate a modeled landfill and its affect creating a “contaminated” aquifer. Relate model behavior to local groundwater issues and the important variables in each case. During this lab, you will be asked to generate hypotheses about groundwater flow and then will be