Question

1. what is the main cause of water scarcity?

a. increase in global temperatures
b. over - extraction of groundwater
c. increase in rainfall frequency
d. decrease in population density

Explanation:

To determine the main cause of water scarcity, we analyze each option:

• Option a: Increase in global temperatures can contribute to water scarcity (e.g., by causing droughts, melting glaciers unevenly), but it's an indirect factor.
• Option b: Over - extraction of groundwater means we are taking out more water from underground aquifers than is being replenished. This directly leads to a reduction in the available water supply, making it a primary cause of water scarcity in many regions.
• Option c: An increase in rainfall frequency would likely increase the available water, not cause scarcity.
• Option d: A decrease in population density would mean less demand for water, so it would not cause water scarcity.

Among these, over - extraction of groundwater is a direct and major cause of water scarcity.

Answer:

b. Over - extraction of groundwater