In cubic feet, how much is one acre-foot?

An acre-foot is a unit of volume commonly used in the United States in relation to large-scale water resources, particularly in agriculture and irrigation. It represents the volume of water necessary to cover one acre of land to a depth of one foot. To understand why the correct answer is 43,560 cubic feet, it's important to consider the dimensions involved.

One acre is defined as a rectangular area that measures 43,560 square feet (this is 208.71 feet by 208.71 feet assuming a square) and when considering a depth of one foot across this area, the volume is determined by multiplying the area by the depth (43,560 square feet × 1 foot = 43,560 cubic feet).

This measurement is particularly crucial in water resource management and helps facilitate the understanding of water usage, distribution, and conservation efforts. Knowing that an acre-foot is equivalent to 43,560 cubic feet allows professionals in utility services to make informed decisions about water supply and demand, especially in areas where water is scarce.