1
What function does a dam serve in controlling destructive water processes along a river?
A. It increases the speed of river water so it reaches the ocean faster
B. It blocks all rainwater from falling on neighboring towns
C. It holds back large amounts of river water in a reservoir and controls how much flows downstream
D. It filters salt out of river water to make it safe for farm irrigation
C. It holds back large amounts of river water in a reservoir and controls how much flows downstream
Which statement BEST describes the function of a storm drain system in a city?
A. It purifies drinking water before it reaches neighborhood home faucets
B. It pumps underground groundwater up to water city park lawns during dry seasons
C. It traps windborne dirt and dust before it lands on cars and buildings
D. It collects excess rainwater from paved streets and redirects it into nearby water basins to prevent flooding
D. It collects excess rainwater from paved streets and redirects it into nearby water basins to prevent flooding
Scientists place seismographs in underground stations across Georgia to monitor activity along fault lines. What is the primary function of a seismograph in studying earth processes?
A. It measures the temperature and chemical levels of underground rock layers to predict volcano eruptions.
B. It detects and records ground vibrations caused by seismic waves during an earthquake.
C. It absorbs shockwaves from earthquakes to keep nearby buildings and bridges from shaking.
D. It creates digital map layers that show the elevation and depth of ocean rivers.
B. It detects and records ground vibrations caused by seismic waves during an earthquake.
What is the main function of a seawall built along an ocean shoreline?
A. To clear trash and debris out of ocean water
B. To block strong ocean waves from crashing directly onto coastal land and washing away soil
C. To keep fish and other marine life away from human swimmers
D. To raise the water level so larger ships can dock closer to the beach
B. To block strong ocean waves from crashing directly onto coastal land and washing away soil
Scientists use different tools to monitor severe weather and gather information about storm systems before they reach land.
Which two technologies serve the MOST SIMILAR function because they both capture pictures from space to help scientists track large storms?
A. Levee and Dam
B. Satellite image and Infrared image
C. Storm drain and Seismograph
D. Contour plowing and Terrace
B. Satellite image and Infrared image
Farmers who grow crops on steep mountain slopes often build flat, stair-like ledges into the hillside called terraces. What is the main function of terrace farming in protecting agricultural land?
A. It raises crop plants higher off the ground so wild animals cannot reach their leaves and stems.
B. It traps extra sunlight between the rows to help crops grow much faster during cold winter months.
C. It changes a steep, continuous slope into a series of flat steps that slow down rushing water so it cannot wash topsoil away.
D. It creates deep underground tunnels that drain all soil nutrients away from the roots of the crops.
C. It changes a steep, continuous slope into a series of flat steps that slow down rushing water so it cannot wash topsoil away.
After an earthquake occurs, geologists collect a paper printout called a seismogram from a recording station. What is the primary function of a seismogram in helping scientists understand an earthquake?
A. It acts as an underground sensor that slows down seismic waves before they hit major cities.
B. It measures the amount of groundwater that flooded into cracks during the earthquake.
C. It automatically repairs cracks created in road pavement after the shaking stops.
D. It provides a visual graph that shows the height, arrival time, and strength of ground vibrations over time.
D. It provides a visual graph that shows the height, arrival time, and strength of ground vibrations over time.
A coastal town near the mouth of a river faces two major environmental problems:
High river levels during heavy storms overflow into low-lying neighborhoods.
Strong ocean waves during high tide are wearing away the sandy shoreline.
Which pair of human-made structures would BEST help the town control these two problems?
A. Seismograph and satelite
B. Storm drain and contour plowing
C. Levee and jetty
D. GIS map and infrared image
C. Levee and jetty
Before severe rainstorms hit a river valley, emergency managers use computer models for flood forecasting. What is the main function of flood forecasting technology?
A. It pumps excess river water up into storage tanks before rain clouds reach the neighborhood.
B. It builds temporary concrete walls automatically along riverbanks whenever water levels begin to rise.
C. It changes incoming rain clouds into light snow so water flows into rivers at a slower rate.
D. It collects rainfall, river level, and soil data to predict when and where a river will overflow its banks.
D. It collects rainfall, river level, and soil data to predict when and where a river will overflow its banks.
A team of Georgia scientists and city planners is preparing a community safety guide for natural hazards. They discuss how different tools and technologies are used to monitor constructive and destructive processes.
Which pairing of a technology tool and its function is NOT a correct or effective use of that technology?
A. Using a GIS map to combine flood zone layers and elevation data to identify neighborhoods at risk during heavy rains.
B. Using an infrared image to detect cold cloud-top temperatures and locate the strongest parts of a hurricane.
C. Using a seismograph to absorb ground shaking so that nearby buildings will not collapse during an earthquake.
D. Using a seismograph to record the arrival time and wave height of seismic vibrations during an earthquake.
C. Using a seismograph to absorb ground shaking so that nearby buildings will not collapse during an earthquake.
Meteorologists rely on infrared satellite images when tracking severe hurricanes moving toward the coast. What is the primary function of an infrared image in monitoring large storm systems?
A. It takes high-resolution photos that show the exact shapes of individual waves on the beach.
B. It detects thermal heat signatures to measure cloud-top temperatures, showing where the highest and most severe storm clouds are located.
C. It uses radio waves to physically change the direction a severe hurricane is traveling across the ocean.
D. It measures the amount of salt dissolved in ocean water along the coastline.
B. It detects thermal heat signatures to measure cloud-top temperatures, showing where the highest and most severe storm clouds are located.
A meteorologist shows students a satellite photograph taken of a large storm moving across the ocean toward the coastline.
Which question can BEST be answered by studying this satellite image?
A. How many inches of rain will fall in a specific neighborhood next month?
B. What will the temperature be on the coast next summer?
C. Where is the storm currently located and which direction is it moving?
D. How many years ago did the ocean form?
C. Where is the storm currently located and which direction is it moving?
City planners use a GIS (Geographic Information System) map on a computer before approving new construction projects. How does a GIS map function to help city planners?
A. It creates physical models out of plastic and wood for display
B. It uses radio waves to alter local weather conditions
C. It automatically repairs damaged roads after a major storm
D. It combines different digital map layers (like flood zones, steep hills, and soil types) to show high-risk areas
D. It combines different digital map layers (like flood zones, steep hills, and soil types) to show high-risk areas
A city planner near a large river uses a computer program for flood forecasting before a major storm. The program gathers data from rain gauges, river sensors, and soil measurements. Which question can BEST be answered using flood forecasting technology?
A. How many fish will swim up the river over the next month?
B. Which riverbank areas are at highest risk of overflowing and when will floodwaters reach peak height?
C. What color paint should be used on new bridges over the river?
D. Will the city's annual summer festival have clear weather in three months?
B. Which riverbank areas are at highest risk of overflowing and when will floodwaters reach peak height?
A farmer purchases land on a very steep mountain slope. He wants to plant crops without losing topsoil every time it rains. He decides to build flat, step-like ledges into the side of the hill called terraces. How do terraces help limit water erosion on a steep slope?
A. They trap heat in the dirt so crops mature faster in cold weather
B. They create shade so weed seeds cannot sprout between crop rows
C. They turn a continuous steep drop into flat steps, slowing down flowing water so it cannot carry soil away
D. They force rainwater to flow faster downhill toward nearby rivers
C. They turn a continuous steep drop into flat steps, slowing down flowing water so it cannot carry soil away
A team of scientists wants to study a series of small earthquakes occurring near a volcano. They decide to install several seismographs around the area. Which question can BEST be answered using the data collected by these seismographs?
A. What color will the volcanic ash be if the volcano erupts?
B. How strong are the ground vibrations and where are they centered?
C. How many animals live in the forest around the volcano?
D. Will the next earthquake happen on a weekend or a weekday?
B. How strong are the ground vibrations and where are they centered?
A beach town in coastal Georgia wants to stop strong ocean storm waves from destroying beachfront homes. Which strategy would NOT be an effective way to protect the shoreline?
A. Building a concrete seawall between the ocean and the homes
B. Digging deep trenches along the sand to allow waves to reach closer to homes
C. Placing large boulders called sea breakwaters out in the shallow water
D. Planting sea oats to trap sand and build high dunes
B. Digging deep trenches along the sand to allow waves to reach closer to homes
A coastal town notices that ocean currents are constantly moving sand away from the beach near the harbor entrance, making the water too shallow for boats. The town council wants to build a a jetty extending out into the ocean. Which question is MOST important for the town council to ask to see if a jetty will preserve the beach?
A. Will the jetty attract more tourists to the harbor restaurant?
B. How does a jetty trap drifting sand on one side to prevent ocean currents from sweeping it away?
C. What is the fastest speed a boat can travel out of the harbor?
D. How many sunset photos are taken along the shoreline each day?
B. How does a jetty trap drifting sand on one side to prevent ocean currents from sweeping it away?
A class from an elementary school took a field trip to a coastal beach in Florida. While walking along the shore, the students noticed high sand dunes covered in thick grasses. The park ranger pointed to a sign near the plants that said, "Please Stay Off the Dunes — Protect the Dune Grass."
What is the BEST reason for protecting the dune grass on coastal beaches?
A. They produce bright, colorful flowers that make the beach look nice for tourists.
B. They grow faster than regular lawn grass and provide shade for beachgoers.
C. They are rare plants that are poisonous to humans and pets if touched.
D. They have deep, spreading roots that hold the sand in place and stop wind and waves from washing it away.
D. They have deep, spreading roots that hold the sand in place and stop wind and waves from washing it away.
A coastal emergency team is preparing for a severe hurricane approaching the coast. They receive an infrared satellite image showing the storm's cloud layers. Which question can BEST be answered using the infrared satellite image to help protect coastal towns?
A. How deep is the soil erosion taking place under nearby forest trees?
B. What are the names and species of plants growing along the shoreline?
C. How many inches of snow fell in the ocean during the previous winter?
D. Where are the coldest cloud tops located to identify the strongest parts of the storm?
D. Where are the coldest cloud tops located to identify the strongest parts of the storm?
City leaders along the Savannah River want to protect homes from severe flooding during heavy spring rains. Which of the following would NOT be an effective way to prevent flood damage along the river?
A. Building dams upstream to hold back excess river water during storms
B. Clearing natural trees and plants along the riverbank to let water move faster
C. Constructing levees along low-lying areas to keep water from overflowing
D. Digging retention ponds to safely store extra rainwater before it enters the river
B. Clearing natural trees and plants along the riverbank to let water move faster
A farmer in a hilly town notices that heavy rain sweeps away topsoil and damages young crops every spring. Her neighbor suggests trying contour farming instead of planting crops in straight, up-and-down rows.Which question would BEST help the farmer figure out if contour farming can solve her soil erosion problem?
A. Will contour farming make the crops taste better?
B. Does contour farming slow down water runoff by plowing along the curves of the hill?
C. Is contour farming harder to learn than planting in straight rows?
D. How many hours a day does a tractor run during contour farming?
B. Does contour farming slow down water runoff by plowing along the curves of the hill?
A small town built on an ocean coast is worried that big storm waves are wearing away the beach and getting too close to their homes. The town council wants to build a seawall along the shore to protect the neighborhood. Before making a final decision, they hold a town meeting to discuss if a seawall is really necessary.
Which question is MOST relevant to investigate to decide if a seawall is needed?
A. How many sea turtles nest on the beach each summer?
B. How much money do tourists spend at coastal gift shops each year?
C. What is the average water temperature in the ocean during July?
D. How many feet of the shoreline have been washed away by waves over the last 10 years?
D. How many feet of the shoreline have been washed away by waves over the last 10 years?
A farmer on a gently rolling hill notices that rainwater creates small streams of running water across his fields, carrying topsoil away. His neighbor suggests using contour plowing instead of plowing in straight lines up and down the hill. Which question would BEST help the farmer determine if contour plowing is an effective solution?
A. Can tractors drive faster when plowing across a field in straight lines?
B. How do curved plowed ridges act like small dams to hold rainwater in place on a slope?
C. Does contour plowing stop wild animals from entering the farm field?
D. Does planting crops in curved lines help them absorb more sunlight during the day?
B. How do curved plowed ridges act like small dams to hold rainwater in place on a slope?
A coastal town in Georgia wants to build a new emergency shelter to protect residents during severe hurricanes. Town officials use a GIS map program to analyze the coastline. Which question can BEST be answered by studying the GIS map layers?
A. Which neighborhood locations have the lowest elevation and are most likely to flood from storm surges?
B. What names will be chosen for future hurricanes this season?
C. How many people will volunteer to work at the shelter?
D. What type of food should be served inside the emergency shelter?
A. Which neighborhood locations have the lowest elevation and are most likely to flood from storm surges?