Problem:
Scientists are concerned about the water-energy-climate nexus. Most of the energy used today is generated using fossil fuels which produce the greenhouse gases like CO2 that drive climate change. Mining, extracting, and processing fossil fuels, uses both energy and water. The combustion of fossil fuels in thermoelectric plants also uses water. Conversely water requires energy to pump it to the site of usage. Thus the consumption of water and energy are interconnected. The average American household directly consumes 60-100 gallons of water per day. This does not include the water used to produce food, energy, fuel, or other products and services. Water Table Drop (160 to 255 ft) Consider the United States Geological Survey data shown above. Notice that the water table dropped from 160 feet in 1965 to 255 feet in 2005. How much more energy was required to pump 80 gallons of water from this well in 2005 vs 1965? 1 gallon = 3.785 kg Question options: 29,000 J 2,900 J 7,600 J 760,000 J None of the other responses are correct