Question

Ground water will not be depleted due to
A. Afforestation
B. Thermal power plants
C. Loss of forests, decreased rainfall
D. Cropping of high water demanding crops

Answer 1

Groundwater is the water which is present underground in between soil spaces, rock formations and in cracks and crevices. Its depletion refers to the decline in its level.

Complete Answer:
Let us analyse the options to find the correct answer.
Option A: Afforestation is the process of establishing a new forest by planting many trees. It is usually done on an abandoned or an agricultural land which is degraded. Roots of a tree hold the soil together and make it porous. Porous soil helps in absorption of falling rainwater thus replenishing groundwater. Hence this is the correct option.

Option B: A thermal power plant works by converting the heat energy generated by burning fuels into electrical energy. A lot of water is consumed in thermal power production which leads to groundwater depletion. Hence, this is an incorrect option.

Option C: From the reasons implied in option A it's evident that forests are important in replenishing groundwater and their loss will lead to depletion and ultimately droughts. If there is decreased rainfall groundwater will not be recharged and its level will decrease. Hence, this is an incorrect option.

Option D: High water demanding crops will utilize a lot of water from ground and their cropping will lead to depletion of groundwater from that particular farm or field. Hence, this is an incorrect option.

Thus, the correct option is Option A) Afforestation.

Additional Information:
- Groundwater is a major contributor to the natural water cycle.
- Water evaporates from the surface of earth and water bodies into the atmosphere. It is transpired by the plants.
- Water condenses in the atmosphere forming rain.
- Precipitation takes place in the form of rainfall. The water on touching the ground infiltrates into it forming groundwater. This leads to recharging of groundwater and maintenance of the water table.
- This cycle repeats itself and the groundwater contributes to surface water by seeping slowly into the water bodies like rivers and stream

Note: Water table is defined as the level of underground water at which rocks and soil are saturated with the water. It separates the groundwater zone which is present below it from the zone of aeration which is present above it.