Question

data source: united states geological survey
use the data to complete the statement.
the volume of groundwater withdrawn in 1980 was ____________ the volume depleted by 1980.
less than
greater than

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the graph trend

The graph shows the volume of groundwater withdrawal over the years. The y - axis represents volume and the x - axis represents years.

Step2: Understand the nature of the data

The volume of groundwater withdrawn in a particular year (e.g., 1980) is a single - year measurement. The volume depleted by 1980 is the cumulative volume withdrawn from the start (say from 1950) up to 1980.
Since cumulative volume (sum of volumes over multiple years) is always greater than the volume of a single year.

Answer:

less than