2 EP Construct E lanations What factors account for the uneven stribution of groundwat on Earth? __ ....................................-.................................. ............................................. ....-...-...............................-...............-........ ............-...................... .................................. ........-................

## Step 1<br />The uneven distribution of groundwater on Earth is influenced by several factors. These factors include the geological composition of the Earth's crust, the climate, the topography, and human activities.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The geological composition of the Earth's crust plays a significant role in the distribution of groundwater. Areas with permeable rocks, such as sandstone or limestone, allow water to seep through and accumulate, leading to higher groundwater levels. On the other hand, areas with impermeable rocks, like granite, prevent water from seeping through, resulting in lower groundwater levels.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The climate also affects the distribution of groundwater. In areas with high rainfall, more water infiltrates the ground, leading to higher groundwater levels. Conversely, in areas with low rainfall, less water infiltrates the ground, leading to lower groundwater levels.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The topography of the land also influences the distribution of groundwater. In areas with a gentle slope, water can easily infiltrate the ground, leading to higher groundwater levels. In contrast, in areas with steep slopes, water runs off the surface rather than infiltrating the ground, leading to lower groundwater levels.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Human activities can also impact the distribution of groundwater. Over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation or industrial use can lead to a decrease in groundwater levels. Additionally, pollution from human activities can contaminate groundwater sources, affecting their availability and quality.