What is a potential consequence of over-extracting groundwater?

Over-extracting groundwater can lead to aquifer depletion, which is a significant concern for water resource management. When groundwater is extracted at a rate faster than it can be recharged naturally through precipitation and infiltration, the water levels in aquifers drop. This depletion can result in various impacts, including reduced water availability for wells, streams, and rivers that depend on groundwater, making it a critical issue for both human use and ecological balance.

The depletion of aquifers can also lead to land subsidence, where the ground sinks due to the loss of water that once filled the pore spaces in rocks and sediments. Additionally, as the groundwater levels decline, there may be an increase in salinity in coastal areas due to saltwater intrusion, further worsening the quality of available freshwater resources.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of over-extraction. Increased biodiversity and improved soil health are not typically outcomes of groundwater depletion; instead, they require healthy ecosystems supported by adequate water levels. Enhanced water availability would be a false outcome since over-extraction leads to diminishing water resources in the long term. Thus, aquifer depletion stands as the primary and most direct consequence of excessive groundwater extraction.