Environmental Science Unit Four Vocabulary

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Questions: 17 | Attempts: 122 | Updated: Mar 21, 2023

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Environmental Science Unit Four Vocabulary - Quiz

There are a lot of terminologies we have come through a lot of vocabulary that we are supposed to remember in the environmental science classes. The quiz below is designed to help you jog your memory on the terms and their meaning. Give it a try and keep on revising.

Questions and Answers

1.

What is surface water?
- A.
  
  The water that is beneath the Earth's surface.
- B.
  
  Water that contains wastes from homes or industry
- C.
  
  All the bodies of water of fresh water, salt water, ice, and snow that are found above the ground.
- D.
  
  An area of land that is periodically underwater or whose soil contains a great deak if moisture
Correct Answer
C. All the bodies of water of fresh water, salt water, ice, and snow that are found above the ground.
2.

A flowing network of rivers and streams drianing a river basin is a what?

Correct Answer
river system
River System
River system

Explanation
A flowing network of rivers and streams draining a river basin is referred to as a river system.

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3.

The area of land that is drained by a water system is a what?
- A.
  
  Recharge zone
- B.
  
  Aquifer
- C.
  
  Estuary
- D.
  
  Watershed
Correct Answer
D. Watershed

Explanation
A watershed refers to the area of land where all the water that falls within it drains into a common water system, such as a river, lake, or ocean. It includes all the streams, rivers, and lakes that contribute to the overall drainage of the land. The term "watershed" is used to describe both the land and the water system itself. Therefore, the correct answer for the given question is watershed.

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4.

What is groundwater?

Correct Answer
the water that is beneath the Earth's surface

Explanation
Groundwater refers to the water that is located beneath the Earth's surface. It is found in the spaces between soil particles and in underground rock formations known as aquifers. This water originates from precipitation that seeps into the ground and accumulates in these underground reservoirs. Groundwater plays a crucial role in sustaining ecosystems, providing drinking water, and supporting agriculture and industry. It can be accessed through wells and springs and is a valuable resource for human activities.

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5.

A body of rock or sediment that stores groundwater and allows the flow of groundwater is what?
- A.
  
  Desalination
- B.
  
  Aquifer
- C.
  
  Resorvoir
- D.
  
  Permeability
Correct Answer
B. Aquifer

Explanation
An aquifer is a body of rock or sediment that is capable of storing groundwater and allowing the flow of groundwater. It acts as a natural underground reservoir that holds and transmits water through its permeable layers. Aquifers are important sources of freshwater for many regions and play a crucial role in supplying water for drinking, agriculture, and industrial purposes.

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6.

What is porosity?

Correct Answer
the percentage of the total volume of a rock or sediment that consists of open spaces

Explanation
Porosity refers to the amount of open spaces or voids within a rock or sediment, expressed as a percentage of the total volume. It indicates the ability of a material to hold and transmit fluids, such as water or oil. Higher porosity means more open spaces, allowing for greater fluid storage and flow. This characteristic is important in various industries, including geology, hydrology, and petroleum engineering, as it affects the permeability and storage capacity of rocks and sediments.

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7.

The ability of a rock or sediment to let fluids pass through its open spaces is known as what?
- A.
  
  Permeability
- B.
  
  Aquifer
- C.
  
  Dam
- D.
  
  Waste water
Correct Answer
A. Permeability

Explanation
Permeability refers to the ability of a rock or sediment to allow fluids to flow through its open spaces. It is a measure of how easily fluids can pass through the material. This property is important in various fields such as geology, hydrology, and engineering, as it determines the flow of groundwater, oil, gas, or other fluids through rocks and sediments.

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8.

What is recharge zone?

Correct Answer
an area in which water travels downward to become part of an aquifer.

Explanation
A recharge zone refers to an area where water seeps into the ground and travels downward to replenish an aquifer. It is essentially a location where water is recharged or refilled into the underground water storage system. This process occurs when precipitation or surface water infiltrates the soil and percolates through the layers, eventually reaching the aquifer. Recharge zones are crucial for maintaining the water levels in aquifers and ensuring a sustainable supply of groundwater.

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9.

What is potable?
- A.
  
  Not suitable for drinking
- B.
  
  Suitable for drinking
- C.
  
  Not water at all
Correct Answer
B. Suitable for drinking

Explanation
Potable refers to something that is suitable for drinking. It means that the substance or liquid is safe and clean for consumption without causing harm or illness. In this context, the correct answer is "suitable for drinking."

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10.

What is a pathogen?

Correct Answer
a virus, microrganism, or other substance that causes disease
an infectious agent

Explanation
A pathogen refers to a virus, microorganism, or any other substance that is capable of causing disease. It is an infectious agent that can invade the body and lead to the development of various illnesses or infections. Pathogens can be transmitted through various means such as direct contact, airborne particles, or contaminated food and water. They have the ability to reproduce and multiply within the host, causing harm to the individual's health.

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11.

A method of providing plants with water from sources other than direct precipitation is known as what?
- A.
  
  Irrigation
- B.
  
  Precipitaion
- C.
  
  Watering the plant
Correct Answer
A. Irrigation

Explanation
Irrigation is the process of supplying water to plants using sources other than direct precipitation, such as through canals, pipes, or sprinklers. This method helps to ensure that plants receive adequate water for their growth and survival, especially in areas with limited rainfall or during dry seasons.

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12.

List 3 disadvantages and 3 advantages of dams.
13.

What is a reservoir?

Correct Answer
an artificial body of water that usually forms behind a dam

Explanation
A reservoir is an artificial body of water that typically forms behind a dam. It is created by blocking a river or stream, allowing water to accumulate and form a large storage area. Reservoirs are commonly constructed for various purposes such as water supply, irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation. They serve as important sources of water for human consumption, agricultural activities, and industrial use. Additionally, reservoirs can provide recreational opportunities like boating, fishing, and swimming.

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14.

What is a process of removing salt from ocean water?
- A.
  
  Evaporation
- B.
  
  Water cycle
- C.
  
  Desalination
Correct Answer
C. Desalination

Explanation
Desalination is the correct answer because it refers to the process of removing salt from ocean water. This process involves various techniques such as reverse osmosis, distillation, or electrodialysis, which separate the salt and other impurities from the water, making it suitable for drinking or irrigation purposes.

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15.

What is water polution?

Correct Answer
the introduction into water of waste matter or chemicals that are harmful to organisms living in water or to those that drink or are exposed to the water

Explanation
Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater, by the introduction of waste materials or harmful chemicals. These pollutants can be detrimental to the organisms that inhabit the water, as well as to those who consume or come into contact with the contaminated water.

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16.

What is point-source pollution?

Correct Answer
pollution that comes from a specific site

Explanation
Point-source pollution refers to pollution that originates from a specific location or source. Unlike non-point source pollution, which is diffuse and comes from multiple sources, point-source pollution can be traced back to a specific site. This type of pollution is usually easier to identify, monitor, and control since it is localized to a particular area or facility. Examples of point-source pollution include industrial discharges, sewage treatment plant outflows, and oil spills from a specific vessel.

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17.

What is nonpoint-source pollution?

Correct Answer
pollution that comes from many sources rather than from a single specific site
an example is pollution that reaches a body of water from streets and strom sewers

Explanation
Nonpoint-source pollution refers to pollution that originates from multiple sources rather than a single specific location. This type of pollution is often difficult to trace back to a specific point of origin. An example of nonpoint-source pollution is when pollutants, such as chemicals or debris, are carried by rainwater runoff from streets and storm sewers and eventually contaminate a body of water.

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Current Version
Mar 21, 2023

Quiz Edited by
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Feb 13, 2009

Quiz Created by
Rebeccamcgovenr2

Environmental Science Unit Four Vocabulary

What is surface water?

A flowing network of rivers and streams drianing a river basin is a what?

The area of land that is drained by a water system is a what?

What is groundwater?

A body of rock or sediment that stores groundwater and allows the flow of groundwater is what?

What is porosity?

The ability of a rock or sediment to let fluids pass through its open spaces is known as what?

What is recharge zone?

What is potable?

What is a pathogen?

A method of providing plants with water from sources other than direct precipitation is known as what?

List 3 disadvantages and 3 advantages of dams.

What is a reservoir?

What is a process of removing salt from ocean water?

What is water polution?

What is point-source pollution?

What is nonpoint-source pollution?