Question

which of the following is not a correct statement about the graph?
groundwater withdrawal peaked in 1980 and 2000.
from 1950 to 2000, groundwater withdrawal increased steadily.
the biggest decline in groundwater withdrawal occurred between 1980 and 1985.
the population in the united states appears to increase at a linear rate from 1950 to 2000.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze groundwater withdrawal trend

Check if groundwater withdrawal increased steadily from 1950 - 2000. From the bar - graph, groundwater withdrawal did not increase steadily. For example, there are fluctuations in the values.

Step2: Analyze population trend

Check if population increased at a linear rate. The population line (the slanted line) shows a linear increase from 1950 - 2000.

Step3: Analyze groundwater withdrawal peak

Check if groundwater withdrawal peaked in 1980 and 2000. The bar for 1980 is not the highest (the bar for 1975 is higher than 1980 in terms of withdrawal values).

Step4: Analyze decline in groundwater withdrawal

Check the decline between 1980 - 1985. Calculate the difference in withdrawal values between 1980 and 1985. The bar for 1980 is higher than 1985, so there is a decline. Compare it with other decline periods (e.g., 1985 - 1990 has a smaller decline).

Answer:

From 1950 to 2000, groundwater withdrawal increased steadily.