APES semester 2 midterm ch. 13

A) Higher water tables

Which of the following is an unintended consequence associated with waterlogging caused by flood irrigation? A) Higher water tables B) Relatively low cost C) Decreased erosion and soil loss D) Increased oxygen intake by plant roots

A) the area of land from which rainfall drains into rivers or lakes

A watershed is _____ . A) the area of land from which rainfall drains into rivers or lakes B) an inland basin that connects to another inland basin C) a river that drains into the sea D) a term used to describe water stored underground E) the water held in the atmosphere prior to returning to Earth in the form of rainfall

C) loss of recharge area

As urbanization increases and natural soil surfaces are covered, the groundwater supply is reduced due to A) increased evaporation and transpiration B) decreased surface runoff C) loss of recharge area D) confinement of aquifers E) capping of artesian wells

B) When precipitation varies, streams in watershed II experience the greatest fluctuations in water volume.

Based on the information shown in the graph, which of the following statements is most likely to be true? A) Streams in watershed I experience substantially more algal blooms than those in watershed IV. B) When precipitation varies, streams in watershed II experience the greatest fluctuations in water volume. C) Watershed III has the highest percentage of impervious surfaces. D) The water quality of streams in watershed IV is excellent because of the abundance of nutrients available to aquatic organisms. E) Low dissolved oxygen is a severe problem in the streams in watershed I because of the inability of light to penetrate the forest canopy.

A) Flushing toilets

Of the following, which constitutes the greatest percent of domestic use of water in the United States? A) Flushing toilets B) Drinking C) Cooking D) Washing dishes E) Washing clothes

E) use a watering technique that focuses the water in the immediate area of plant roots.

One way to conserve water in agriculture is to A) plant crops that have adapted to arid climates by sending down deep tap roots and storing water in times of drought. B) use a technique similar to the ancient Egyptians', whereby they relied on a river and storing water in times of drought. C) plant crops in places with less sunlight so there are fewer hours during the day for evaporation to occur. D) channel gray water from homes and industry to agricultural areas. E) use a watering technique that focuses the water in the immediate area of plant roots.

E) saltwater

Overpumping groundwater in coastal areas can cause _____ to move to aquifers, making the water undrinkable. A) VOCs B) suspended solids C) hard water ions D) untreated sewage E) saltwater

B) Mercury

Poses a health risk to humans who eat large quantities of marine fish such as swordfish and tuna. A) Radon B) Mercury C) Lead D) Copper E) Iron

E) I, II, and III

Reasons that human populations historically have settled in floodplains include which of the following? I. The soil in floodplains is usually fertile. II. The terrain in floodplains tend to be flat. III. Floodplains are close to rivers for transportation. A) I only B) II only C) I and II only D) II and III only E) I, II, and III

D) Hydroelectric

The United States has currently used all of the viable sites. A) Photovoltaics B) Geothermal C) Biomass D) Hydroelectric E) Hydrogen fuel

D) overfishing

The major cause for the decline in the worldwide catch of fish since 1990 is A) acid deposition B) escalating price of fuel C) competition from aquaculture D) overfishing E) decline in market price

A) a region of land that is periodically flooded when a river overflows

Which of the following best describes a floodplain? A) a region of land that is periodically flooded when a river overflows B) an area that is periodically flooded because humans have altered the landscape C) an area that is incidentally flooded when farming or mining operations change the course of rivers D) an area where flood irrigation of crops is used, such as a rice paddy E) a region of land that has been deliberately, permanently flooded due to human disturbance, such as in dam building

B) Drop irrigation

Which of the following methods of agricultural irrigation results in the loss of the least amount of water by evaporation? A) Conventional center-pivot irrigation B) Drop irrigation C) Laser-level irrigation D) Flood irrigation E) Gravity-flow irrigation

C) Site C

Based on the data table above for a stream in Illinois, which site most likely has a construction site immediately upstream from it? A) Site A B) Site B C) Site C D) Site D E) Site E

B) This method most efficiently delivers water directly to plant roots compared with other methods, and wastes less water, but it may be too costly for farmers in developing countries to use.

Which of the following best describes the advantages and disadvantages of drip irrigation? A)This method is suitable for a range of topographies and is easy to operate, but it requires a high initial investment in machinery. B) This method most efficiently delivers water directly to plant roots compared with other methods, and wastes less water, but it may be too costly for farmers in developing countries to use. C) This method delivers water to the field by pipes and water flows directly over the soil, but there is a large amount of runoff. D) This method applies water directly to trenches dug in soil and is cost effective, but water is often lost to evaporation.

D) The dams on the Colorado River divert water to cities and for agriculture.

Which of the following best explains the general downward trend in Colorado River flow from 1910 until 1970? A) More water is being removed from the Colorado River before it reaches any of the dams. B) A series of heavy winter snowstorms have changed the water level of the Colorado River. C) Residents are using more water-saving devices in their homes. D) The dams on the Colorado River divert water to cities and for agriculture. E) The underground aquifer is being depleted as more farmers use its water for agricultural irrigation.

E) E

Which of the following best represents the percent of water that is used for various purposes worldwide? A) A B) B C) C D) D E) E

C) the conversion of rangeland or cropland into a desertlike area.

A drought in the 1930s transformed large parts of the Midwest into a "Dustbowl". This is an example of A) what would happen if the giant toad or feral pigs are not controlled. B) the results of many inches of rain falling within a few hours. C) the conversion of rangeland or cropland into a desertlike area. D) evaporation of water from the ground and release of moisture from leaves. E) water flowing over the surface when it is unable to infiltrate the ground because of saturation of the soil or a steep slope.

A) Drip irrigation

A farmer grows several crops on a farm that has mostly shallow, sandy soil. Which of the following irrigation methods would be the best suited for this farm? A) Drip irrigation B) Flood irrigation C) Surface irrigation D) Furrow irrigation

D) flooding, because trees help reduce soil erosion and the flow of water downslope.

A forested hillside will help eliminate A) the need for research such as that done at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire. B) the use of pesticides, because the shade of the forest prevents insect pests from entering the area. C) droughts, because transpiration ensures that forest areas always have a high moisture level. D) flooding, because trees help reduce soil erosion and the flow of water downslope. E) unsustainable farming, because crops cannot be grown on forested slopes.

E) use rain barrels to reduce the flow of storm water into the creek

A new 450-unit housing development will replace several small farms on the outskirts of Fremont. The development will be composed of 1/4-hectare lots with nearly identical footprints, as show below. The diagram illustrates the footprint of two houses from a new housing development. Each lot is one-fourth hectare, and the houses are built in the center of each lot. There is a driveway leading from each of the houses to the roadway, shown at the bottom of the diagram. One important step that homeowners in the new development can take to protect water quality in Samel Creek would be to A) apply lawn fertilizers immediately before storm events B) channelize Samel Creek to improve water flow during storm events C) use only persistent organic pesticides to control weed species in their lawns D) make certain that pet waste is disposed of directly into storm drains E) use rain barrels to reduce the flow of storm water into the creek

C) Destruction of fish habitats by high levels of suspended solids and sediments

A new 450-unit housing development will replace several small farms on the outskirts of Fremont. The development will be composed of 1/4-hectare lots with nearly identical footprints, as show below. The diagram illustrates the footprint of two houses from a new housing development. Each lot is one-fourth hectare, and the houses are built in the center of each lot. There is a driveway leading from each of the houses to the roadway, shown at the bottom of the diagram. Storm water runoff from the new development into nearby Samel Creek will likely lead to which of the following? A) Biomagnification of mercury in birds of prey such as eagles and osprey B) Improved recreational opportunities for swimmers and boaters C) Destruction of fish habitats by high levels of suspended solids and sediments D) Contamination of drinking water supplies by volatile organic compounds such as ozone E) Increased incidence of waterborne diseases such as malaria

A) There will be less recharge of groundwater.

A new 450-unit housing development will replace several small farms on the outskirts of Fremont. The development will be composed of 1/4-hectare lots with nearly identical footprints, as show below. The diagram illustrates the footprint of two houses from a new housing development. Each lot is one-fourth hectare, and the houses are built in the center of each lot. There is a driveway leading from each of the houses to the roadway, shown at the bottom of the diagram. Which of the following will be the greatest impact of the development on the local water supply? A) There will be less recharge of groundwater. B) There will be less runoff to fill reservoirs. C) There will be higher humidity in the suburb. D) There will be decreased soil exposure, reducing bacteria loads in surface water. E) There will be decreased erosion in local streams.

A) dropped continually since 1910.

According to the graph, the flow of the Colorado River has A) dropped continually since 1910. B) gone up and down but continues to trend downward. C) stayed steady over the last 10 years. D) dropped steadily from 1935 until 1945. E) slowly increased in the last 10 years.

B) Flood-tolerant plant species so that the plants can withstand large pulses of water from storms

An environmental agency wants to evaluate the effectiveness of rain gardens in reducing the impact of urban runoff from an impervious parking lot and from the roof of the building. The parking lot is slightly sloped so the rainwater flows toward the gardens. The runoff from the roof is collected by various downspouts and directed toward the gardens. Scientists at the agency plan to monitor the effectiveness by measuring the water quality of the storm water as it moves through the gardens during and after storm events. Plant selection is important for a rain garden. Which of the following best describes the types of plants that would be most effective to use in the rain garden in this experimental design to reduce the impact of urban runoff? A) Flowering plant species so that offspring are genetically different from the parent plants B) Flood-tolerant plant species so that the plants can withstand large pulses of water from storms C) Invasive plant species so that the plants can reproduce rapidly once the soil is saturated from storms D) Genetically modified plant species so that the plants are resistant to drought and insect pests

B) Water samples collected from the roof or parking lot before they passed through the gardens

An environmental agency wants to evaluate the effectiveness of rain gardens in reducing the impact of urban runoff from an impervious parking lot and from the roof of the building. The parking lot is slightly sloped so the rainwater flows toward the gardens. The runoff from the roof is collected by various downspouts and directed toward the gardens. Scientists at the agency plan to monitor the effectiveness by measuring the water quality of the storm water as it moves through the gardens during and after storm events. Which of the following would be the best control in this experimental design? A) Water samples collected from a faucet inside the building B) Water samples collected from the roof or parking lot before they passed through the gardens C) Soil samples collected from different rain gardens on the property D) Soil samples collected from under the parking lots around the city

C) The speed and volume of the water exiting the gardens

An environmental agency wants to evaluate the effectiveness of rain gardens in reducing the impact of urban runoff from an impervious parking lot and from the roof of the building. The parking lot is slightly sloped so the rainwater flows toward the gardens. The runoff from the roof is collected by various downspouts and directed toward the gardens. Scientists at the agency plan to monitor the effectiveness by measuring the water quality of the storm water as it moves through the gardens during and after storm events. Which of the following would be the best measure to use to determine the effectiveness of the rain gardens in reducing the impact of urban runoff? A) The size and shape of the rain gardens B) The intensity and duration of the storm event C) The speed and volume of the water exiting the gardens D) The temperature of the parking lot and the roof

B) will probably continue because the environmental impacts of dams are reviewed periodically

Dam removal in this country _____ . A) is controversial because dams provide such good habitats for native species B) will probably continue because the environmental impacts of dams are reviewed periodically C) will assist with our transition to more natural forms of renewable energy D) provides many new jobs and opportunities and so is economically beneficial E) will probably increase rapidly as we move to a more fossil-fuel-dependent society

B) unsustainable

Data indicate that the present rate of freshwater consumption in most developed countries is _____ . A) sustainable for the foreseeable future B) unsustainable C) irrelevant, as water is not currently limiting D) only a problem in areas not on the coast E) increasing groundwater storage and decreasing surface water storage

D

Directions: Each set of lettered choices below refers to the numbered questions or statements immediately following it. Select the one lettered choice that best answers each question or best fits each statement. A choice may be used once, more than once, or not at all in each set. The following questions refer to the labeled locations on the map. Desalination is used to supply much of this region with freshwater. A B C D E

D) The damming of the Colorado River led to a change in stream flow, preventing river water and sediments from reaching the delta area.

Hoover Dam is the largest dam in the United States, built on the Colorado River to supply hydroelectric power and flood control. Which of the following best describes a downstream environmental effect of Hoover Dam on the Colorado River watershed? A) The supply of inexpensive electricity led to population growth and industrial development in cities such as Phoenix and Los Angeles. B) The Lake Mead Recreation Area, formed by the reservoir behind Hoover Dam, is a popular tourist attraction for fishing, swimming, and boating. C) The drainage basin of the Colorado River includes 246,000 square miles and serves as a source of drinking water for over 40 million people. D) The damming of the Colorado River led to a change in stream flow, preventing river water and sediments from reaching the delta area.

E) Most of the nutrient-rich silt that the Nile annually deposited downstream is now deposited behind the dam.

Many environmentalists consider Egypt's Aswan High Dam on the Nile River to be an ecological disaster. Which of the following is the best evidence to support this viewpoint? A) Creation of the dam flooded important archaeological sites. B) Sardine populations near the Nile delta increased exponentially as a result of decreased annual rates of water flow. C) The Aswan High Dam supplies one-third of the electrical power used in Egypt. D) Some countries upstream from the dam have diverted the Nile River for their own projects. E) Most of the nutrient-rich silt that the Nile annually deposited downstream is now deposited behind the dam.

D) eat fish that are caught using sustainable harvesting methods, therefore ensuring fish populations remain stable and reducing the amount bycatch harvested

One way that consumers can help prevent a decrease in the number of fish species that are experiencing population declines is to A) help get laws passed that allow more fishing in areas that are not fished currently, therefore opening access to greater numbers of fish B) purchase fish harvested through the use of purse seining and long-lining methods so that only the largest fish are caught C) invest in companies that fish near coral reefs, which would take pressure off deep-sea species and eliminate the need for advances in technology D) eat fish that are caught using sustainable harvesting methods, therefore ensuring fish populations remain stable and reducing the amount bycatch harvested

C) farmed salmon can spread parasites and disease to wild salmon

Salmon farming threatens the health of wild salmon stocks primarily because A) salmon farming prevents commercial fishing fleets from overharvesting wild salmon B) salmon farming prevents interbreeding between domesticated varieties of salmon and their wild counterparts C) farmed salmon can spread parasites and disease to wild salmon D) farmed salmon compete with wild salmon for spawning sites E) farmed salmon can contain chemicals derived from food additives and antibiotics that may be harmful to human consumers

D) a water diversion project consisting of 14 major dams and reservoirs that supplies water to large cities such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

The Colorado River project is A) extremely eutrophic because as water slows down behind the dams, there are more opportunities for nitrates and phosphates to enter the river water. B) an underutilized resource that could easily provide water to farmers, ranchers, and cities. C) a government-subsidized water utility that provides cities such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Diego with cheaper electricity because Lake Powell and Lake Mead are huge bodies of water. D) a water diversion project consisting of 14 major dams and reservoirs that supplies water to large cities such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Diego. E) a confined aquifer that is being overpumped and polluted because of increasing populations in the cities it serves.

B) not replenishing at the rate it is being used, and one result is land subsidence.

The Ogalla Aquifer is a one-time deposit of water has such a slow recharge rate it is A) huge and can accommodate the water needs of the Great Plains for at least several more decades. B) not replenishing at the rate it is being used, and one result is land subsidence. C) protected by state laws and is therefore underutilized. D) suffering from severe salination as water infiltrates the ground and dissolved minerals are added to the aquifer. E) increasing each year with the expectation that the rate of increase will grow as the climate changes and brings more storms to the Great Plains.

C) Eggs require less water per kilocalorie than pig meat does.

The chart below illustrates how many liters of water are needed to produce some common foods. Which of the following statements is best supported by the data in the table? A) Milk requires more water per kilocalorie than nuts do. B) Chicken meat requires less water per kilocalorie than cow meat does. C) Eggs require less water per kilocalorie than pig meat does. D) Butter requires more water per kilocalorie than fruit does.

A) the farmed fish can escape and outcompete wild fish for food and territory

The farming of fish such as salmon at aquaculture facilities poses a threat to marine ecosystems because A) the farmed fish can escape and outcompete wild fish for food and territory B) farm-raised salmon often pass on toxic chemicals such as mercury to eagles and other fish-eating birds C) invasive plant species common in aquaculture facilities can spread to nearby waters D) fewer wild fish will be harvested for human consumption

B) generate electricity, prevent flooding, and provide irrigation

We build dams to _____ . A) drain wetlands for urban development B) generate electricity, prevent flooding, and provide irrigation C) control the spread of waterborne diseases D) transform watersheds into farms, towns, and recreational areas E) improve the habitat for native fish

B) Too many fish of reproductive age are harvested.

Which of the following best explains why the maximum sustainable yield for ocean fisheries has been exceeded? A) Populations of fish-eating birds such as the albatross have increased. B) Too many fish of reproductive age are harvested. C) Too many marine fish farms have been created. D) Everything trapped by large bottom trawl nets is used for food. E) For every calorie of fish caught, a ship uses only about 0.5 calorie of fuel energy.

E) Depletion of an aquifer by regional farmers

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of the tragedy of the commons? A) Destruction of landscape by surfacing mining on private land B) Selective harvesting of trees by a timber company in a national forest C) Legislation of catch limits to avoid depletion of fish stocks in a shared lake D) Inadvertent destruction of beneficial species while attempting to control pests E) Depletion of an aquifer by regional farmers

B) The rate of water use likely exceeds the rate of recharge, leading to lowering the water table.

Which of the following describes an unintended consequence that results from large-scale agricultural use of water from an aquifer? A) Much of the water becomes too salty for human consumption because of saltwater intrusion. B) The rate of water use likely exceeds the rate of recharge, leading to lowering the water table. D) The water table level rises too high, leading to excessive flooding. E) Agricultural areas contribute to increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, leading to global climate change.

A) The federal government sets a catch limit (per person or per boat) for the species and imposes a tax on any extra fish that are caught.

Which of the following is the best example of an economic approach to reduce overfishing for a fish species with a declining population? A) The federal government sets a catch limit (per person or per boat) for the species and imposes a tax on any extra fish that are caught. B) A conservation agency creates marine parks where the area is a no-catch zone for the species so that the species can recover and population size can increase. C) The state government introduces a subsidy for large fishing companies to help them afford to hire more crew members. D) An educational group produces signs and video clips to encourage individuals to buy locally caught seafood and to avoid eating big fish like tuna and shark.

A) Water pollution from oil rigs concentrated in the Gulf of Mexico

Which of the following is the best example of the tragedy of the commons? A) Water pollution from oil rigs concentrated in the Gulf of Mexico B) An increase in the concentration of a toxin as it goes through the food chain C) Exponential population growth as a country goes through the demographic transition D)The use of invasive species as a biological control E) The over-harvesting of fish from privately owned lakes

D) They are often infected with parasites and sea lice.

Which of the following is true of farm-raised salmon? A) They are more genetically diverse than their wild counterparts. B) They seldom escape from their containment areas. C) They have no impact on the quality of the water in which they are raised. D) They are often infected with parasites and sea lice. E) They are maintained at lower population densities than are wild salmon.

D) It underlies the United States High Plains and is being depleted by overuse.

Which of the following is true of the Ogallala Aquifer? A) It underlies the African Serengeti and supplies millions of people with freshwater. B) It underlies the Argentine Pampas and is underutilized as a source of water. C) It underlies eastern Quebec and is a limited source of freshwater D) It underlies the United States High Plains and is being depleted by overuse. E) It underlies central Florida and is contaminated by pesticide and fertilizer runoff from farms.

D) It underlies the United States High Plains and is being depleted by overuse.

Which of the following is true of the Ogallala Aquifer? A) It underlies the African Serengeti and supplies millions of people with freshwater. B) It underlies the Argentine Pampas and is underutilized as a source of water. C) It underlies eastern Quebec and is a limited source of freshwater. D) It underlies the United States High Plains and is being depleted by overuse. E) It underlies central Florida and is contaminated by pesticide and fertilizer runoff from farms.

D) water lawns at night, using low-flow faucets, and landscaping with native plants

Which of the following will contribute to water conservation? A) using aerial sprays for crop irrigation B) planting non-native wetland plants for landscaping C) washing dishes by hand D) water lawns at night, using low-flow faucets, and landscaping with native plants E) watering lawns during peak sunlight hours, when plants need water most