5.1 Watersheds & Our Rivers
Environmental Science
5.1 I can describe the elements of a watershed and explain the history of the Detroit and Rouge Rivers.
- 1.
A watershed is
- A.
An area of land that drains into a body of water,like a river or lake.
- B.
A building for storing water on industrial farms.
- C.
A tributary to a river.
- D.
A part of the sewer system that connects the water treatment center to nearby rivers and lakes.
Correct Answer
A. An area of land that drains into a body of water,like a river or lake.Explanation
A watershed refers to an area of land that collects and channels water into a specific body of water, such as a river or lake. It is not a building for water storage on industrial farms, a tributary to a river, or a part of the sewer system. The correct answer indicates that a watershed is the land area that contributes water to a particular waterbody, highlighting the importance of understanding the flow and management of water resources.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following does NOT negatively affect the health of a watershed?
- A.
Surface runoff from roads, sidewalks, and roofs
- B.
Sewer overflow from combined sewer systems
- C.
Wilderness areas
- D.
Chemicals used on farmland
Correct Answer
C. Wilderness areasExplanation
Wilderness areas do not negatively affect the health of a watershed because they are typically undeveloped and free from human activities that can contribute to pollution or degradation of water quality. Wilderness areas are often protected and conserved, which helps maintain the natural balance and health of the watershed ecosystem.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which local river has caught fire twice in its history?
- A.
Detroit River
- B.
Rouge River
- C.
Lafayette River
- D.
Rivers can’t catch fire
Correct Answer
B. Rouge RiverExplanation
The Rouge River is the correct answer because it has caught fire twice in its history. This suggests that there were incidents where the river was so polluted that it ignited and caused fires. This highlights the severe pollution and environmental issues that the Rouge River has faced in the past.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following is NOT an important role of a watershed?
- A.
Filters out impurities in groundwater
- B.
Prevents flooding
- C.
Stores water underground to prevent drought
- D.
Capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
Correct Answer
D. Capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphereExplanation
Capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is not an important role of a watershed. Watersheds primarily function to filter out impurities in groundwater, prevent flooding, and store water underground to prevent drought. While watersheds may indirectly contribute to carbon capture through the vegetation and ecosystems they support, their main functions are related to water management and conservation.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The boundaries of a watershed are created by
- A.
Political boundaries like city and county lines.
- B.
Surrounding rivers and lakes.
- C.
High points in the landscape like hilltops or mountain ridges.
- D.
The largest body of water in the area.
Correct Answer
C. High points in the landscape like hilltops or mountain ridges.Explanation
The correct answer is high points in the landscape like hilltops or mountain ridges. Watersheds are defined by the topography of the land, specifically the high points or ridges that separate different drainage basins. These high points determine the direction in which water flows, ultimately leading to the formation of rivers and lakes. Political boundaries and the largest body of water in the area may not necessarily coincide with the boundaries of a watershed.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The health of the Detroit and Rouge Rivers seems to be
- A.
Improving, due to the help of local environmental agencies.
- B.
Improving on its own.
- C.
Getting worse, due to more pollution from factories.
- D.
Getting worse, due to the use of fertilizers in industrial farming.
Correct Answer
A. Improving, due to the help of local environmental agencies.Explanation
The given correct answer states that the health of the Detroit and Rouge Rivers is improving due to the help of local environmental agencies. This suggests that the efforts and interventions made by these agencies have positively impacted the rivers' health. It implies that the agencies have likely implemented measures to reduce pollution, improve water quality, and restore the natural ecosystem of the rivers. These actions have resulted in an improvement in the overall health and well-being of the rivers.Rate this question:
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- 7.
True or false: A watershed only includes the bodies of water (rivers and lakes) in a particular area.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
A watershed refers to an entire area of land that drains into a specific body of water, such as a river or lake. It includes not only the bodies of water but also the land, vegetation, and other natural features that contribute to the flow of water into that body of water. Therefore, the statement that a watershed only includes the bodies of water in a particular area is false.Rate this question:
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- 8.
True or false: Urban areas are part of a watershed.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Urban areas are indeed part of a watershed. A watershed refers to an area of land where all the water, such as rain or snowmelt, drains into a common water body, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Urban areas, with their buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, have a significant impact on the natural water cycle. Rainfall that lands on impervious surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt, cannot be absorbed into the ground and instead runs off into nearby water bodies, carrying pollutants and altering the flow of water. Therefore, urban areas play a crucial role in the overall health and management of a watershed.Rate this question:
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