2.3.1
What phenomenon is most likely responsible for the ocean currents circulation pattern?
a. Coriolis
b. Density differences
c. Sun's tidal effects
d. Temperature differences
A. Coriolis
What is most responsible for the presence of groundwater?
a. the movement of water from a confined aquifer into surface water
b. the movement of surface water and precipitation through soil and rock
c. the movement of water from streams and rivers to watersheds
d. the movement of surface water through impermeable rock
b. the movement of surface water and precipitation through soil and rock
Which is the best way to conserve worldwide freshwater resources?
A. build more roads and highways for cars and trucks
B. increase the amount of land used to raise cattle
C. develop more modern coal-powered plants
D. use more efficient irrigation techniques
D. use more efficient irrigation techniques
Which human activity directly affects the water quality of freshwater resources?
A. depleting the ozone layer
B. burning gasoline in car engines
C. throwing trash out of car windows
D. allowing runoff from agricultural fields
D. allowing runoff from agricultural fields
Without oceans, the temperatures of earth would vary widely from temperatures that currently exist on earth. Which characteristic of the oceans most likely helps maintain the temperature of earth?
a. depth of ocean
b. density of ocean
c. evaporation of water
d. high humidity near ocean
c. evaporation of water
A rural, forested area receives a lot of rainfall in a short amount of time. What would most likely cause flooding potential in the area?
A. if the area has a large uncharged aquifer beneath it
B. if the water level in the area is below the zone of saturation
C. if the ground of the area is already saturated with water
D. if the ground of the area is mostly sandy soil
C. if the ground of the area is already saturated with water
Which would be the most sustainable way to increase the supply of potable water as the United States population grows?
A. Dig more deep wells to access fossil water.
B. Build more reservoir dams along rivers.
C. Increase the use of greywater for landscaping.
D. Increase the use of salt water for cooling power plants
C. Increase the use of greywater for landscaping.
What would most likely result if more farms were developed along the river basins in North Carolina?
A. an increase in water pollution
B. an increase in average rainfall
C. an increase in nonnative species
D. an increase in severe weather events
A. an increase in water pollution
Because water is able to exist in the liquid form on earth, water helps to moderate temperatures across the entire planet. Which statement best illustrates this link between water in the liquid phase and moderation of temperatures?
a. movement of water creates heat
b. ocean currents circulate heat away from the equator
c. earth's internal heat is pushed outward through volcanic activity
d. land warms as ocean water makes direct contact with land.
b. ocean currents circulate heat away from the equator
What statement describes most groundwater?
A. Groundwater is found in underground lakes, rivers, and streams.
B. Groundwater is found in the spaces between rocks, gravel, and sand.
C. Groundwater is isolated from surface water and moves in its own cycle.
D. Groundwater is sequestered below the surface for years or decades at a time.
B. Groundwater is found in the spaces between rocks, gravel, and sand.
At a city council meeting a developer outlines plans for a new shopping mall. Residents raise their concerns, that this will increase runoff and pollute the bodies of water near the area.
The developer could address their concerns by proposing which of the following plans:
A. private wells that provide water to each store
B. sprinklers that hose down parking lots daily
C. flower gardens that are planted near each store
D. wetlands that surround the development
D. wetlands that surround the development
What is a possible consequence of the destruction of a marsh?
A. decreased flooding
B. decreased filtering of water
C. increased types of plant life
D. increased habitat for organisms
B. decreased filtering of water
The great ocean conveyor belt shows the flow pattern of deep sea currents. Which statement best describes an effect caused by these currents.
a. prevent tsunamis from occurring
b. control the high and low tides
c. influence climate by distributing energy from the sun
d. cause hurricanes to move in a counterclockwise direction
c. influence climate by distributing energy from the sun
During a heavy rainfall where flooding has occurred, which event has most likely slowed down?
A. surface runoff
B. groundwater discharge
C. evaporation
D. infiltration
D. infiltration
Which result is most likely to occur after excessive withdrawal of groundwater near a coastal area?
A. increased reliance on irrigation because of drier soil conditions
B. dilution of brackish water in estuarine ecosystems
C. reduced efficiency of local desalination facilities
D. intrusion of salt water into the water table
D. intrusion of salt water into the water table
Which statement best explains the role of evaporation on ocean currents
a. Evaporation adds salt to surface waters, forcing the water to sink
b. Evaporation leads to the movement of air masses, causing surface currents.
c. Evaporation removes heat energy from surface waters, increasing the water density
d. Evaporation increases the air pressure above surface waters, causing horizontal currents
c. Evaporation removes heat energy from surface waters, increasing the water density
The Great Dismal Swamp is located in the Coastal Plain Province of Virginia. It has layers of sand, clay, peatty matter and silt. Which would best describe the location of the water table of this swamp
A. high above the surface
B. right at the surface
C. just below the surface
D. deep below the surface
B. right at the surface
Which best explains why population growth can result in water shortages and rationing in certain areas?
A. Aquifers recharge slowly.
B. Lake water is reserved for recreation.'
C. Increasing biomass decreases evaporation rates.
D. Tall buildings impede the development of rain clouds.
A. Aquifers recharge slowly.