Chapter 13 Online Study Guide

1. Read the first page of the Chapter. The Nile is an unusual river because it flows from the South to the North. What country controls the headwaters that feed 86% of the Nile's flow?

Egypt

Sudan

Ethiopia

Somalia

Ethiopia controls the headwaters that feed 86% of the Nile's flow. The Nile is an unusual river because it flows from the South to the North, and its main source is the Blue Nile, which originates in Ethiopia. The Blue Nile, along with the White Nile, contributes to the majority of the Nile's water volume. Therefore, Ethiopia has control over the primary water source of the Nile, giving them significant influence over the river's flow and distribution of water resources downstream.

Explanation

Ethiopia controls the headwaters that feed 86% of the Nile's flow. The Nile is an unusual river because it flows from the South to the North, and its main source is the Blue Nile, which originates in Ethiopia. The Blue Nile, along with the White Nile, contributes to the majority of the Nile's water volume. Therefore, Ethiopia has control over the primary water source of the Nile, giving them significant influence over the river's flow and distribution of water resources downstream.

2. Which of the following types of molecular bonds gives water most of its unique properties?

Ionic

Covalent

Hydrogen

Static

Hydrogen bonds give water most of its unique properties. Hydrogen bonds occur between the hydrogen atoms of one water molecule and the oxygen atoms of neighboring water molecules. These bonds are responsible for water's high boiling point, surface tension, and ability to dissolve many substances. The polarity of the water molecule, with oxygen being slightly negative and hydrogen being slightly positive, allows for the formation of these hydrogen bonds.

Explanation

Hydrogen bonds give water most of its unique properties. Hydrogen bonds occur between the hydrogen atoms of one water molecule and the oxygen atoms of neighboring water molecules. These bonds are responsible for water's high boiling point, surface tension, and ability to dissolve many substances. The polarity of the water molecule, with oxygen being slightly negative and hydrogen being slightly positive, allows for the formation of these hydrogen bonds.

3. In California, where does 75% of the precipitation fall?

North of Sacramento

South of Sacramento

East of the Mountains

Baja

In California, 75% of the precipitation falls north of Sacramento. This means that the majority of rainfall in the state occurs in the northern region, which includes cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento itself. The southern region of California, including cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, receives less precipitation compared to the north. The eastern part of the state, which is characterized by mountainous terrain, also receives less rainfall. Baja, which refers to Baja California in Mexico, is not a location within California and therefore does not receive precipitation in the state.

Explanation

In California, 75% of the precipitation falls north of Sacramento. This means that the majority of rainfall in the state occurs in the northern region, which includes cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento itself. The southern region of California, including cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, receives less precipitation compared to the north. The eastern part of the state, which is characterized by mountainous terrain, also receives less rainfall. Baja, which refers to Baja California in Mexico, is not a location within California and therefore does not receive precipitation in the state.

4. Read the section on irrigation. Which of the following types of irrigation systems is the most efficient?

Center-pivot

Surge

Gravity flow

Drip irrigation

Drip irrigation is the most efficient type of irrigation system. It involves delivering water directly to the roots of plants through a network of tubes or pipes with small holes or emitters. This method minimizes water loss due to evaporation or runoff, as water is only applied where it is needed. Drip irrigation also allows for precise control over the amount of water delivered, reducing wastage. Overall, drip irrigation conserves water and ensures that plants receive the necessary moisture for optimal growth.

Explanation

Drip irrigation is the most efficient type of irrigation system. It involves delivering water directly to the roots of plants through a network of tubes or pipes with small holes or emitters. This method minimizes water loss due to evaporation or runoff, as water is only applied where it is needed. Drip irrigation also allows for precise control over the amount of water delivered, reducing wastage. Overall, drip irrigation conserves water and ensures that plants receive the necessary moisture for optimal growth.

5. The Ogallal aquifer is the most important aquifer in the United States and probably the world. Make sure you read the Case Study on page 309! Which of the following states is not at least partly supplied by the Ogallala?

Wyoming

Colorado

Texas

Arkansas

The correct answer is Arkansas. The Ogallala aquifer supplies water to several states in the United States, including Wyoming, Colorado, and Texas. However, Arkansas is not one of the states that is partly supplied by the Ogallala aquifer.

Explanation

The correct answer is Arkansas. The Ogallala aquifer supplies water to several states in the United States, including Wyoming, Colorado, and Texas. However, Arkansas is not one of the states that is partly supplied by the Ogallala aquifer.

6. What is the largest Damn in the world and provides as much energy as 20 large coal burning power plants or nuclear power plants.

Three Gorges Dam

Hoover Dam

Yellow River dam

Amazon Dam

The Three Gorges Dam is the correct answer because it is the largest dam in the world and is capable of generating as much energy as 20 large coal burning power plants or nuclear power plants. It is located on the Yangtze River in China and has a total generating capacity of 22,500 megawatts. The dam plays a crucial role in flood control, navigation, and electricity generation for the region.

Explanation

The Three Gorges Dam is the correct answer because it is the largest dam in the world and is capable of generating as much energy as 20 large coal burning power plants or nuclear power plants. It is located on the Yangtze River in China and has a total generating capacity of 22,500 megawatts. The dam plays a crucial role in flood control, navigation, and electricity generation for the region.

7. Which of the following descriptions best describes an aquifer?

Underground caves

Underground rivers

Underground springs

Larege, elongated sponges through which groudwater seeps

An aquifer is best described as large, elongated sponges through which groundwater seeps. This means that it is a porous and permeable underground layer of rock or sediment that can hold and transmit water. It acts as a natural storage and filtration system for groundwater, allowing water to flow through it and be extracted for various purposes such as drinking water supply or irrigation. It is not underground caves, rivers, or springs as these are different geological formations with distinct characteristics.

Explanation

An aquifer is best described as large, elongated sponges through which groundwater seeps. This means that it is a porous and permeable underground layer of rock or sediment that can hold and transmit water. It acts as a natural storage and filtration system for groundwater, allowing water to flow through it and be extracted for various purposes such as drinking water supply or irrigation. It is not underground caves, rivers, or springs as these are different geological formations with distinct characteristics.

8. Read the Case Study on Egypts Aswan High Dam. Which of the followign is not a problem created by the construction of the dam.

Eradicating most of Egypt's sardine, mackerl, shrimp and lobseter fishing.

Eliminating 94% of Nile water that once reached the Mediterranean

Providing flood control for the lower Nile basin

Uprooting 125,000 people when land was flooded to create Lake Nasser

The construction of the dam did not create a problem of providing flood control for the lower Nile basin. The Aswan High Dam was built to regulate the flow of the Nile River and prevent flooding in the lower Nile basin. It effectively controls the water levels and releases water in a controlled manner, reducing the risk of floods downstream.

Explanation

The construction of the dam did not create a problem of providing flood control for the lower Nile basin. The Aswan High Dam was built to regulate the flow of the Nile River and prevent flooding in the lower Nile basin. It effectively controls the water levels and releases water in a controlled manner, reducing the risk of floods downstream.

9. The water table is directly above the ______________________

Zone of aeration

Zone of saturation

Recharge zone

Aquifer

The water table is directly above the zone of saturation. The zone of saturation refers to the area in the ground where all the pores and spaces between soil or rock particles are completely filled with water. This is the level at which groundwater is found and can be accessed through wells or springs. The water table, on the other hand, is the upper surface of the zone of saturation, representing the boundary between the saturated and unsaturated zones. Therefore, the water table is directly above the zone of saturation.

Explanation

The water table is directly above the zone of saturation. The zone of saturation refers to the area in the ground where all the pores and spaces between soil or rock particles are completely filled with water. This is the level at which groundwater is found and can be accessed through wells or springs. The water table, on the other hand, is the upper surface of the zone of saturation, representing the boundary between the saturated and unsaturated zones. Therefore, the water table is directly above the zone of saturation.