Pollution & Stewardship
What is the difference between point and nonpoint source pollution?
Point Source - pollution coming from a single identifiable source
Nonpoint Source - pollution that does not originate from a single source; too widespread
What are brackish waters?
Freshwater & Saltwater mixed together
What effect does phytoplankton have on dissolved oxygen in the ocean?
Phytoplankton go through photosynthesis and increase the amount of dissolved oxygen in the ocean
Runoff can increase the level of suspended sediment in water. This is gives a cloudy look to the water and can make it undrinkable if too dirty. This is called...
Turbidity
Where is the majority of freshwater located on Earth?
Ice Caps and Glaciers (frozen water)
Site 1: farm fertilizers
Site 2: industrial discharge
Site 1: Nonpoint Source
Site 2: Point Source
Explain the relationship between watersheds and river basins
Watershed collect and drain water into a river basin
What process uses the wind to circulate nutrients from the deep ocean towards the surface?
Upwelling
An organism whose presence in a body of water is an indication of the health of the water
Bioindicator (macro-invertebrate)
How is groundwater formed in the water cycle?
Water during runoff seeps into permeable soil and accumulates
A law that works to correct toxic effluents (chemicals) from industries. Mostly corrects point source pollution
Clean Water Act (1972)
Why is water from an aquifer more likely to be cleaner than water from a lake or river?
Water in an aquifer gets filtered by porous rock and permeable layers as it makes its way into the aquifer.
How do ocean currents affect climate?
Transfers heat to various regions across the world
Explain the relationship between temperature and dissolved oxygen.
higher temperatures = lower D.O
lower temperatures = higher D.O
What effect does precipitation have on the water table?
It causes the water table to rise
Federal agency responsible for making sure that the public water supply within the United States is safe.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
How do nutrients, sediment and pollutants get into estuaries and oceans?
From rivers and streams flowing into estuaries and oceans
Which combination would allow the greatest amount of gases to be stored in the ocean?
2. Cold, deep water with low salinity
Which will occur if humans continue to overload water systems with excess nutrients?
Eutrophication
Which factor would increase the salinity of oceans?
1. heavy precipitation over ocean waterheavy precipitation over ocean water
2. increased evaporation of ocean water
3. increased runoff at coastlines increased runoff at coastlines
4. melting of ice sheets at the poles
2. increased evaporation of ocean water
What is the correct order of the water treatment process?
Coagulation, Sedimentation, Flocculation
Coagulation
Flocculation
Sedimentation
In North Carolina, the water in an estuary is shallow, which helps sunlight penetrate to the bottom. How is this beneficial?
It promotes the growth of plants which will increase aquatic life
How do organisms in the deep ocean survive?
Hydrothermal Vents & Chemosynthesis
Which of the indicators is concerning? Explain your choice.
A clear sample of water has a pH of 6, a temperature of 68 degrees fahrenheit, and a variety of living organisms.
pH of water should ideally be 7 but can be anywhere between 6.5-8.5
Which spot would be best to drill a well into an aquifer? EXPLAIN YOUR ANSWER
1. solid rock, impermeable zone, below the water table
2. clay, permeable zone, below the water table
3. gravel, permeable zone, above the water table
4. loose soil, permeable zone, above the water tabel
2. Clay will allow water to flow, permeable means water can pass through & below the water table will be full of water-perfect for a well