Online Trivia Quiz On Geography!
This is a quiz on Chapters 3 & 4 to be completed and submitted by deadline Sunday midnight (April 11, 2010). You have three attempts only. Any further attempts after the first three will be disregarded. Make sure you record your score after completion. Also understand that as soon as you enter your name and given password, quiz will begin as there are no further instructions. Do your best to answer all questions.
Good luck!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The largest reservoir of freshwater that is available to humans is ____________.
- A.
Groundwater
- B.
Glaciers
- C.
River water
- D.
Lakes and reservoirs
Correct Answer
A. GroundwaterExplanation
Groundwater is the correct answer because it refers to the water that is stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers. It is the largest reservoir of freshwater available to humans as it accounts for about 30% of the world's freshwater resources. Groundwater is accessed through wells and is used for various purposes such as drinking, irrigation, and industrial activities. Unlike glaciers, river water, and lakes, groundwater is not easily affected by evaporation or seasonal changes, making it a reliable and sustainable source of freshwater for human consumption.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The single most important agent sculpturing Earth's land surface is ____________.
- A.
Groundwater
- B.
Wind
- C.
Waves
- D.
Ice
- E.
Running water
Correct Answer
E. Running waterExplanation
Running water is the single most important agent sculpturing Earth's land surface because it has the ability to erode, transport, and deposit sediment. Over time, flowing water can carve out valleys, create canyons, and shape the landscape through processes such as erosion, weathering, and deposition. It is responsible for the formation of various landforms like rivers, waterfalls, and deltas. The continuous movement and force of running water make it a powerful and influential agent in shaping the Earth's land surface.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Raising a stream's base level will cause the stream to ____________.
- A.
Meander
- B.
Stop flowing
- C.
Deposit
- D.
Change course
- E.
Erode
Correct Answer
C. DepositExplanation
When a stream's base level is raised, it means that the level of the body of water into which the stream flows has increased. This increase in base level reduces the stream's ability to erode the land and carry sediment downstream. As a result, the stream loses energy and begins to deposit sediment rather than erode the land. Therefore, raising a stream's base level will cause the stream to deposit sediment.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The downslope movement of material under the direct influence of gravity is called ____________.
- A.
Weathering
- B.
Mass wasting
- C.
Faulting
- D.
Talus
- E.
Competence
Correct Answer
B. Mass wastingExplanation
Mass wasting refers to the downslope movement of material, such as rocks, soil, and debris, under the influence of gravity. It is a natural process that occurs due to factors like slope angle, rock structure, and the presence of water. This movement can happen slowly or quickly, and it includes various types of mass movements, such as landslides, rockfalls, and slumps.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Loose, undisturbed particles assume a stable slope called the angle of ____________.
- A.
Stability
- B.
Incidence
- C.
Repose
- D.
Slump
- E.
Slope
Correct Answer
C. ReposeExplanation
Loose, undisturbed particles assume a stable slope called the angle of repose. The angle of repose refers to the maximum angle at which loose particles can rest without sliding or collapsing. It represents the balance between the gravitational force pulling the particles downward and the frictional forces between the particles. This angle is specific to the type and size of the particles involved, as well as any external factors such as moisture content.Rate this question:
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- 6.
During periods when rain does not fall, rivers are sustained by ____________.
- A.
Runoff
- B.
Groundwater
- C.
Evaporation
- D.
Atmospheric moisture
- E.
Transpirated water
Correct Answer
B. GroundwaterExplanation
During periods when rain does not fall, rivers are sustained by groundwater. Groundwater refers to the water that is stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers. It is a crucial source of water for rivers during dry periods as it slowly seeps into the riverbed, replenishing the water levels. Unlike surface runoff, which is dependent on rainfall, groundwater is a more reliable and consistent source of water for rivers. It provides a continuous flow of water, ensuring the sustainability of rivers even in the absence of rain.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which one of the following would least likely be found in a wide valley?
- A.
Rapids
- B.
Floodplain
- C.
Meanders
- D.
Oxbow lake
- E.
Cutoff
Correct Answer
A. RapidsExplanation
Rapids are characterized by fast-moving, turbulent water, typically found in narrow and steep sections of a river. In a wide valley, the river would have more space to flow, resulting in a slower and more gentle current. Therefore, rapids would least likely be found in a wide valley where the river has a wider and more open channel.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Along straight stretches, the highest water velocities in a river are near the ____________ of the channel, just below the surface.
- A.
Center
- B.
Sides
Correct Answer
A. CenterExplanation
In a river, the highest water velocities are typically found near the center of the channel, just below the surface. This is because the flow of water is generally faster in the middle of the channel compared to the sides. The friction between the water and the riverbed slows down the water near the sides, causing lower velocities. The center of the channel provides less resistance to the flow, allowing the water to move faster. Therefore, the highest water velocities in a river are near the center of the channel.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The combined effects of ____________ and running water produce stream valleys.
- A.
Capacity
- B.
Mass wasting
- C.
Discharge
- D.
Weathering
- E.
Tectonics
Correct Answer
B. Mass wastingExplanation
Mass wasting refers to the movement of rock, soil, and debris down slopes due to the force of gravity. When mass wasting occurs in areas with running water, such as rivers or streams, it can contribute to the formation of stream valleys. As material is eroded and transported by running water, the combination of mass wasting and the erosive power of the water helps shape and carve out the stream valleys over time. Therefore, the combined effects of mass wasting and running water play a significant role in the formation of stream valleys.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which one of the following is a measure of a material's ability to transmit water through interconnected pore spaces?
- A.
Capacity
- B.
Competence
- C.
Porosity
- D.
Gradient
- E.
Permeability
Correct Answer
C. PorosityExplanation
Porosity is a measure of a material's ability to transmit water through interconnected pore spaces. It refers to the percentage of void space within a material, which allows water to flow through. The higher the porosity, the more water the material can hold and transmit. Capacity refers to the maximum amount of water a material can hold, competence refers to the ability of a material to withstand pressure or load, gradient refers to the slope or steepness of a surface, and permeability refers to the ability of a material to allow fluids to pass through it.Rate this question:
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- 11.
A broad, ramp-like surface of stratified drift built adjacent to the downstream edge of most end moraines is called a(n) ____________.
- A.
Outwash plain
- B.
Fiord
- C.
Moraine
- D.
Kettle
- E.
Valley train
Correct Answer
A. Outwash plainExplanation
An outwash plain is a broad, ramp-like surface of stratified drift that is formed by the meltwater from a glacier. As the glacier retreats, the meltwater carries and deposits sediments, creating a flat and gently sloping plain. This feature is typically found adjacent to the downstream edge of end moraines, which are formed by the deposition of glacial debris. The outwash plain is characterized by well-sorted and layered sediments, indicating the action of flowing water.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The dry regions in the lower latitudes coincide with zones of air pressure called the ____________.
- A.
Subtropical highs
- B.
Equatorial doldrums
- C.
Equatorial highs
- D.
Equatorial lows
- E.
Subtropical lows
Correct Answer
A. Subtropical highsExplanation
The correct answer is subtropical highs. The dry regions in the lower latitudes coincide with zones of air pressure called subtropical highs. These are areas of high atmospheric pressure where the descending air creates stable conditions and inhibits cloud formation and precipitation. As a result, these regions tend to be dry and arid. The subtropical highs are located around 30 degrees latitude in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Most of the major glacial episodes during the Ice Age occurred during a division of the geologic time scale called the ____________ epoch.
- A.
Paleocene
- B.
Miocene
- C.
Pliocene
- D.
Eocene
- E.
Pleistocene
Correct Answer
E. PleistoceneExplanation
The correct answer is Pleistocene. The Pleistocene epoch is known for its major glacial episodes during the Ice Age. This epoch lasted from about 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago and was characterized by multiple cycles of glaciation and interglacials. The Pleistocene is widely recognized as a time of significant climate change, with ice sheets advancing and retreating multiple times.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The ____________ drainage of arid regions is characterized by intermittent streams that do not flow out of the desert to the ocean.
- A.
Radial
- B.
Excellent
- C.
Exterior
- D.
Well-developed
- E.
Interior
Correct Answer
E. InteriorExplanation
The interior drainage of arid regions is characterized by intermittent streams that do not flow out of the desert to the ocean. This means that the water in these regions does not have an outlet to the ocean, and instead forms temporary streams that eventually evaporate or sink into the ground. This type of drainage is common in desert areas where there is little rainfall and the water cannot flow to the ocean due to geographical barriers.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The all-embracing term for sediments of glacial origin is ____________.
- A.
Silt
- B.
Loess
- C.
Outwash
- D.
Erratic
- E.
Drift
Correct Answer
E. DriftExplanation
Drift is the correct answer because it is the all-embracing term for sediments of glacial origin. Drift refers to the mixture of rocks, sand, clay, and other materials that are deposited by the movement of glaciers. It includes various types of sediments such as till, moraine, and outwash. This term encompasses a wide range of glacial deposits and is commonly used in glacial geology to describe the overall sedimentary material left behind by glaciers.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The end moraine that marks the farthest advance of a glacier is called the ____________ moraine.
- A.
Recessional
- B.
Ground
- C.
Lateral
- D.
Terminal
- E.
Medial
Correct Answer
D. TerminalExplanation
The end moraine that marks the farthest advance of a glacier is called the terminal moraine. This type of moraine is formed when the glacier reaches its maximum extent and starts to retreat. It is composed of debris that was picked up and carried by the glacier as it moved forward. The terminal moraine is typically a long, curved ridge that marks the outermost edge of the glacier's advance.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Desert streams that carry water only in response to specific episodes of rainfall are said to be ____________.
- A.
Flowing
- B.
Episodic
- C.
Youthful
- D.
Occasional
- E.
Ephemeral
Correct Answer
E. EphemeralExplanation
Desert streams that carry water only in response to specific episodes of rainfall are referred to as ephemeral. This term describes their temporary nature, as they only flow during certain periods when rainfall occurs. These streams are not consistently flowing like perennial streams, but rather their flow is intermittent and dependent on precipitation events. The term "ephemeral" accurately captures the transient and unpredictable nature of these desert streams.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Materials that have been deposited directly by a glacier are called ____________.
- A.
Eolian
- B.
Till
- C.
Stratified drift
- D.
Outwash
- E.
Loess
Correct Answer
B. TillExplanation
Till is the correct answer because it refers to materials that have been directly deposited by a glacier. This can include a mixture of different-sized sediments, such as rocks, sand, and clay, that have been transported and then dropped by the moving ice. Till deposits are typically unsorted and unstratified, meaning that the sediments are not organized in any particular order.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The thickest and most extensive loess deposits occur in western and northern ____________.
- A.
Australia
- B.
Egypt
- C.
Canada
- D.
Libya
- E.
China
Correct Answer
E. ChinaExplanation
The correct answer is China because China has the thickest and most extensive loess deposits compared to the other options listed. Loess is a type of sediment made up of fine particles of silt and clay that is easily eroded and transported by wind. China's loess deposits are particularly significant in the western and northern regions of the country, where the combination of wind patterns, topography, and geology has led to the accumulation of large amounts of loess over time.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Glacial troughs that have become deep, steep-sided inlets of the sea are called ____________.
- A.
Fiords
- B.
Kames
- C.
Hanging valleys
- D.
Washes
- E.
Cirques
Correct Answer
A. FiordsExplanation
Glacial troughs are U-shaped valleys carved by glaciers. When these troughs are flooded by the sea, they form deep, steep-sided inlets called fiords. Fiords are commonly found in areas where glaciers have retreated, leaving behind these distinctive features.Rate this question:
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