Trivia Quiz On Water Resources

Explanation
The term "drainage basin" refers to an area of land where all the water from rain or snowmelt drains into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean. It includes all the streams, rivers, and tributaries that contribute to the flow of water within that specific area. The word "range" suggests that drainage basins can vary greatly in size, from small ones that collect water from a few streams to large ones that encompass an extensive network of rivers and waterways. Therefore, the correct answer is "drainage basin" as it accurately describes the varying sizes of streams within a particular area.

Explanation
Aggradation refers to the process of sediment accumulation when the load stream exceeds its capacity. This occurs when the stream's ability to transport sediment is surpassed by the amount of sediment being supplied. As a result, sediment accumulates and builds up in the stream channel or floodplain. This can lead to changes in the stream's morphology, such as the formation of bars or the raising of the streambed. Aggradation is a natural process that can occur in rivers and streams, and it plays a crucial role in shaping landscapes and creating new landforms.

Explanation
The term "alluviam" refers to the general process of clay, silt, and sand being transported by running water. This process occurs when water flows over the land and carries sediments with it, depositing them in new locations. Alluviam is a common geological phenomenon that contributes to the formation of river valleys, floodplains, and deltas.

Explanation
The term "bed load" refers to the coarser materials that are carried or dragged along the bed of a stream. This includes sediment such as pebbles, rocks, and sand that are too heavy to be suspended in the water column and instead move along the streambed. The bed load is an important component of a stream's sediment transport, as it contributes to erosion, deposition, and overall shaping of the stream channel.

Explanation
The term "suspended load" refers to the fine-grained, clastic particles (bits and pieces of rock) that are physically held aloft in a stream. These particles are carried by the stream and remain suspended until the velocity of the stream slows down to almost zero. This means that the particles are not settled on the streambed but are instead floating or suspended in the water.

Explanation
Hydrology is the scientific study of water, including its properties, distribution, and movement on the Earth's surface, underground, and in the atmosphere. It involves analyzing the water cycle, precipitation, evaporation, and the behavior of water in rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Hydrologists use various methods and tools to measure and monitor water resources, which is crucial for managing water supplies, understanding the impacts of climate change, and predicting floods and droughts. Therefore, hydrology is the correct answer to the question as it accurately describes the science of water.

Explanation
A braided stream occurs when there is more sediment than water in a river, causing the river to split into multiple interconnected channels. This creates a maze-like pattern of channels that constantly change and shift due to the high sediment load. The sediment fills up the channels, causing them to divide and braid together, resulting in a braided stream.

Explanation
Natural levees develop on either side of banks of most streams as byproducts of flooding. During a flood, the water overflows the banks of the stream and deposits sediment along the edges. Over time, this repeated deposition of sediment creates raised banks or ridges called natural levees. These levees act as natural barriers, helping to contain future floods within the stream channel. They also provide a higher elevation for human settlements and agricultural activities, making them important features in floodplain management.

Explanation
Abrasion refers to the process where rock particles continuously rub against and wear away the bed of a stream. This constant grinding and carving action of the rock particles leads to the erosion and smoothing of the stream bed over time.

Explanation
The term "meander" refers to a snake-like process of weaving across the landscape. This typically describes the winding path of a river or stream as it curves and bends. The word "meander" can also be used metaphorically to describe any process or movement that follows a similar winding or circuitous path.

Explanation
The term "dissolved load" refers to the solution of a stream, particularly the chemical solution that is obtained from minerals like limestone or soluble salts. This dissolved load consists of various substances that have been dissolved in the water, such as minerals, ions, and other dissolved solids. It is an important component of a stream's overall load, along with the suspended load and bed load. The dissolved load plays a significant role in the chemical composition and quality of the water in the stream, as well as in various geological processes.

Explanation
The term "fluvial" refers to processes or features that are related to streams or rivers. This could include erosion, deposition, or other geological activities that are influenced by the flow of water in a stream or river. Fluvial processes play a significant role in shaping the landscape and can create landforms such as valleys, canyons, and floodplains. Therefore, the correct answer is "fluvial" because it accurately describes processes that are associated with streams.

Explanation
Streams produce fluvial erosion, which supplies weathered sediment for transport to new locations, where it is laid down. This means that streams erode rocks and carry the resulting sediment to different areas. The sediment is then deposited or laid down in these new locations, contributing to the formation of new landforms.

Explanation
A delta is a depositional plain that forms at the mouth of a river. It is typically triangular in shape, with sediment being deposited as the river meets a body of water, such as a lake or an ocean. The sediment carried by the river settles and accumulates, creating a landform that extends into the body of water. Deltas are often characterized by their rich soil and diverse ecosystems, as the sediment provides nutrients for plants and supports various forms of aquatic life.

Explanation
A flood plain refers to the flat, low-lying area next to a stream or river that experiences regular flooding. It is a natural feature of the landscape that is formed by the deposition of sediment carried by the water during flood events. The flood plain serves as a buffer zone, absorbing excess water and reducing the impact of floods on surrounding areas. It is an essential part of the river ecosystem, providing fertile soil for agriculture and supporting diverse plant and animal life.

Explanation
The inner portion of the meander experiences the slowest water velocity, allowing sediment to settle and form a deposit known as a point bar. As the water flows around the bend of the meander, it loses energy and is unable to carry the sediment further, causing it to be deposited on the inner bank. Over time, this accumulation of sediment creates a point bar, which is a characteristic feature of meandering rivers.

Explanation
An oxbow lake is formed when a meandering river creates a loop-like bend over time. Eventually, the river cuts through the narrow neck of the loop, leaving the bend isolated from the main channel. This isolated bend then fills with water, forming an oxbow lake.

Explanation
An estuary is a location where saltwater from the ocean mixes with freshwater from rivers or streams. It is a partially enclosed coastal body of water where the two types of water meet and mix. Estuaries are typically found where rivers flow into the ocean, creating a unique and dynamic ecosystem. The mixing of salt and fresh water in an estuary creates a brackish water environment that is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. Estuaries also serve as important habitats for many species of fish and birds, making them ecologically significant.

Explanation
Hydraulic action refers to the process in which water exerts pressure and shearing force on materials, causing them to be moved. This can occur when fast-moving water, such as in a river or ocean, pushes against rocks or sediment, dislodging and carrying them away. The force of the water can break apart materials and erode the surrounding area, shaping the landscape over time. Hydraulic action is an important process in the formation of landforms, such as canyons and river valleys, as well as in the transportation and deposition of sediment.

Explanation
The outer portion of each meandering curve experiences the highest water velocity due to the centrifugal force acting on the water. This high velocity causes erosion along the outer bank, resulting in the formation of a steep undercut bank. The fast-moving water erodes the bank, removing material from underneath and creating an overhanging ledge. This undercut bank is a characteristic feature of meandering rivers and is formed by the continuous erosion and deposition processes occurring along the river's course.

Explanation
When the longitudinal profile of a stream shows an abrupt change in gradient, such as a waterfall or an area of rapids, the point of interruption is called a nickpoint. A nickpoint is a location where the stream's energy and erosive power are concentrated, leading to a sudden change in the stream's course and the formation of a waterfall or rapids. This abrupt change in gradient is often caused by variations in rock resistance or changes in underlying geology, which result in differential erosion and the creation of a nickpoint.

Explanation
The given correct answer for the question is "deposition". Deposition is a process where particles settle down or are deposited on a surface. In this context, "where its laid down" refers to the location where something is deposited. Therefore, the process being described here is deposition.