Hydrology & Rivers
The Deep Blue (Oceanography)
VA Land & Resources
Karst & Groundwater
Dynamic Earth & Currents
100
What is the name of the U-shaped river feature that has been cut off from the main river channel? 
Oxbow Lake
100
Are ocean surface currents that move from the equator toward the poles generally warm or cold?
Warm waters move from the equator towards the poles.
100
Which fossil fuel is found in the greatest abundance throughout the state of Virginia?
Coal
100
What is the name of the underground layer of rock or sediment that holds groundwater?
An Aquifer
100
What are the two most common natural triggers for a Tsunami?
Undersea earthquakes or landslides.
200
In the water cycle, which two processes involve water turning into a gas and entering the atmosphere?
Transpiration and Evaporation
200
To have the highest possible density, would ocean water need to be cold and salty or warm and fresh?
Cold and Salty
200
Which Virginia river basin is recognized for having the greatest impact on the state due to its large size?
The James River Basin
200
What are two distinct surface features you would expect to find in a region with "Karst" topography?
Sinkholes and disappearing streams (lost rivers).
200
This type of current is directed by winds:
Surface currents
300
What is the most likely effect on the groundwater system if a growing city brings many new wells into production?
The water table will drop.
300
What global weather event is characterized by significantly 
warmer-than-average ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean?
El Niño
300
In which specific region of Virginia are the famous Luray Caverns located?
Valley and Ridge Region
300
Karst topography most commonly forms in regions where the bedrock is composed of what specific type of sedimentary rock? 
Limestone
300
Using the resources of the ocean and bays to provide plants and animals for human consumption is called _________?
Aquaculture
400
Why would a recharge pond designed to increase water seepage into the ground fail in an area with high clay content?
Because clay has low permeability.
400
What type of ocean current is responsible for bringing cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean to the surface? 
Upwelling Current
400
Name at least four states (besides Virginia) whose land area is part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Maryland, West Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware
400
According to the diagram, what are three human activities that can pollute an aquifer?
Landfill seepage, septic tank leakage, and fertilizer or pesticide runoff.
400
Name the at least 3 of the horizons we see below:
O, A, B, C, R
500
What term describes the top boundary of the underground zone that is completely saturated with water? 
The water table.
500
How does the acidification of seawater specifically harm marine life like coral and mollusks?
It makes the formation of coral reefs and shells more difficult.
500
List the five major physiographic provinces/regions of Virginia from East to West.
Coastal Plain, Piedmont, Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau
500
Name 3 ocean features that can be often found at active margins?
Midocean ridge, Volcanic island, ocean trench
500
During which months of the year are hurricanes most likely to occur in the Atlantic, and what is the primary reason why?
Summer and early Fall (June–November) because the sea surface temperatures are at their warmest