Question

The vegetable basket of the United States in central California has what water problem?

1) flooding
2) groundwater depletion
3) excessive use of dams
4) mitigation of wetlands

Answer 1

The vegetable basket of the United States in central California, often referred to as the Central Valley, faces a significant water problem related to groundwater depletion. Therefore, the correct answer is (2) groundwater depletion. The extensive agricultural activities in this region heavily rely on groundwater, leading to a substantial decline in the water table levels over time due to over-extraction and inadequate replenishment of the aquifers.

Answer 2

The water problem in central California's vegetable basket is groundwater depletion, which occurs when pumping water from wells causes a localized drop in the water table. This can lead to a depletion of the groundwater and the need for deeper, more expensive wells. OPTION 2 IS CORRECT

Step-by-step explanation:

The water problem in the vegetable basket of the United States in central California is 2) groundwater depletion. As groundwater is pumped from water wells, there is a localized drop in the water table called a cone of depression.

When there are a large number of wells pumping water for a long time, the regional water table can drop significantly, leading to a depletion of the groundwater. This can force the drilling of deeper and more expensive wells that may encounter saline groundwater. OPTION 2 IS CORRECT