Salt Marsh And Beaches Quiz! Trivia
.jpg "Salt Marsh And Beaches Quiz! Trivia - Quiz")
- 1.
Why do marshes have that characteristically rotten egg odor?
- A.
Decomposition uses much oxygen while releasing hydrogen sulfide. The reduced oxygen level combined with the release of hydrogen sulfide gives the marsh a rotten egg odor.
- B.
Decomposition uses much carbon dioxide while releasing hydrogen sulfide. The reduced carbon dioxide level combined with the release of hydrogen sulfide gives the marsh a rotten egg odor.
- C.
Decomposition uses much hydrogen while releasing carbon dioxide. The reduced hydrogen level combined with the release of carbon dioxide gives the marsh a rotten egg odor.
- D.
Decomposition uses much hydrogen while releasing sulfur. The reduced hydrogen level combined with the release of sulfur gives the marsh a rotten egg odor.
Correct Answer
A. Decomposition uses much oxygen while releasing hydrogen sulfide. The reduced oxygen level combined with the release of hydrogen sulfide gives the marsh a rotten egg odor.Explanation
The marshes have a characteristically rotten egg odor because decomposition in the marshes uses a lot of oxygen while releasing hydrogen sulfide. This leads to a reduced oxygen level in the marshes, and the release of hydrogen sulfide gives the marshes their distinct rotten egg smell.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Identify this hard stabilization image and what occurs as a result of its presence:
- A.
It is a seawall. As as result of its presence, wave energy is redirected which enhances the erosion of both the front and sides of the wall.
- B.
It is a groin. As as result of its presence, wave energy is redirected which enhances the erosion of the front of the wall.
- C.
It is a jetty. As as result of its presence, wave energy is redirected which enhances the erosion of the front of the wall.
- D.
It is a breakwater.
- E.
Littoral current.
Correct Answer
A. It is a seawall. As as result of its presence, wave energy is redirected which enhances the erosion of both the front and sides of the wall.Explanation
The correct answer is a seawall. Seawalls are hard stabilization structures built along coastlines to protect against erosion and flooding. They are typically constructed perpendicular to the shoreline and act as a barrier to redirect wave energy. However, the presence of a seawall can cause increased erosion on both the front and sides of the wall. This is because the redirected wave energy can cause scouring and undercutting of the sediment around the wall, leading to erosion.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Identify this structure:
- A.
Groin
- B.
Jetty
- C.
Seawall
- D.
Breakers
Correct Answer
A. GroinExplanation
A groin is a structure built perpendicular to the shoreline in order to trap sand and prevent erosion. It is typically made of large rocks or concrete and extends into the water. Groins are commonly used in coastal engineering to stabilize beaches and protect them from wave action. They work by trapping sediment on one side, causing the beach to widen and build up. Groins are often built in a series along a coastline to create a more stable and uniform shoreline.Rate this question:
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- 4.
How many miles has North Carolina barrier islands migrated to get to its present location?
- A.
40 miles.
- B.
30 miles.
- C.
60 miles.
- D.
1-2 miles.
- E.
Between the swash zone (shoreface where waves break) and the dune
Correct Answer
A. 40 miles.Explanation
The correct answer is 40 miles. This suggests that the North Carolina barrier islands have migrated a distance of 40 miles to reach their current location.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is phytoplankton?
- A.
A microscopic plant that organisms feed on and move with tides and currents.
- B.
A microscopic animal that moves with currents and large aquatic organisms.
- C.
An organism that helps decompose detritus in the marsh.
- D.
An organism that scavengers feed on in the marsh.
Correct Answer
A. A microscopic plant that organisms feed on and move with tides and currents.Explanation
Phytoplankton refers to microscopic plants that serve as a food source for other organisms and are carried by tides and currents. They play a crucial role in the marine food chain as primary producers, converting sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. These tiny plants are an essential part of aquatic ecosystems and are responsible for producing a significant amount of Earth's oxygen. They are also indicators of water quality and can serve as an early warning system for environmental changes.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Because it has a wide variety of plants and animal species occupying a large number of niches, the salt marsh community is one of nature's most self-sustaining ecological systems and is a valuable coastal resource. Being a self-sustaining community means:
- A.
The marsh community supplies virtually all its own needs rather than being dependent on other communities.
- B.
The marsh community is able to provide the nutrients for all other barrier island habitats.
- C.
The marsh community is the basis of the barrier island community.
- D.
The marsh community is fragile and at risk.
Correct Answer
A. The marsh community supplies virtually all its own needs rather than being dependent on other communities.Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that a self-sustaining community is able to meet its own needs without relying on other communities. In the case of the salt marsh community, it has a wide variety of plants and animal species that occupy different niches, allowing it to provide for its own needs such as food, shelter, and nutrients. This self-sufficiency makes the salt marsh community valuable and resilient in coastal ecosystems.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Water in the salt marsh has a wide range of salt content. Why would you suppose this is so?
- A.
During high tide-incoming tides replenish ocean level salinity. During low tide areas of salt marsh are exposed and may have pools of water that when evaporated leave the salt behind creating salty substrate. Evaporation is a factor in intertidal areas. Heavy rains alter the salinity making the sound less salty.
- B.
During low tide-incoming tides replenish ocean level salinity. During low tide areas of salt marsh are exposed and may have pools of water that when evaporated leave the salt behind creating salty substrate. Transpiration is a factor in intertidal areas. Heavy rains alter the salinity making the sound less salty.
- C.
During high tide-incoming tides replenish ocean level salinity. During high tide areas of salt marsh are exposed and may have pools of water that when evaporated leave the salt behind creating salty substrate. Evaporation is a factor in intertidal areas. Heavy rains alter the salinity making the sound less salty.
- D.
During low tide-incoming tides replenish ocean level salinity. During high tide areas of salt marsh are exposed and may have pools of water that when evaporated leave the salt behind creating salty substrate. Evaporation is a factor in intertidal areas. Heavy rains alter the salinity making the sound less salty.
Correct Answer
A. During high tide-incoming tides replenish ocean level salinity. During low tide areas of salt marsh are exposed and may have pools of water that when evaporated leave the salt behind creating salty substrate. Evaporation is a factor in intertidal areas. Heavy rains alter the salinity making the sound less salty.Explanation
The correct answer is that during high tide, incoming tides replenish ocean level salinity. During low tide, areas of salt marsh are exposed and may have pools of water that, when evaporated, leave the salt behind, creating a salty substrate. Evaporation is a factor in intertidal areas, and heavy rains alter the salinity, making the sound less salty. This explanation provides a logical sequence of events that explains how the salt content in the salt marsh can vary due to tidal cycles, evaporation, and rainfall.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Where is oxygen in good supply in the marsh?
- A.
Air
- B.
Tide pools
- C.
Tide line
- D.
Substrate
Correct Answer
D. SubstrateExplanation
Oxygen is in good supply in the substrate of the marsh. The substrate refers to the soil or sediment at the bottom of the marsh, which can contain organic matter and decomposing vegetation. This organic matter undergoes decomposition, which releases oxygen into the surrounding environment. Additionally, the substrate can have a high water content, allowing for the diffusion of oxygen from the water into the soil. Therefore, the substrate of the marsh provides a favorable environment for oxygen availability.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Spartina alterniflora (marsh cordgrass) is the most abundant and ecologically most important large plant of the marsh. What makes it so important?
- A.
Salt tolerant
- B.
Grows quickly
- C.
Predator tolerant
- D.
Wind and wave tolerant
Correct Answer
A. Salt tolerantExplanation
Spartina alterniflora, also known as marsh cordgrass, is considered the most abundant and ecologically important large plant in the marsh due to its salt tolerance. This means that it can survive and thrive in environments with high levels of salinity, which is a common characteristic of marshes. Its ability to tolerate salt allows it to outcompete other plant species and dominate the marsh ecosystem. Additionally, its salt tolerance enables it to provide important habitat and food sources for various organisms, contributing to the overall ecological balance of the marsh.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In the "Beaches are Moving" video these islands were shown. Identify what has happened to Assateague Island as a result of hard stabilization shown in this diagram:
- A.
The installation of a jetty to stabilize the Ocean City Inlet in the 1930's has starved northern Assateague Island beaches of sand. This accelerated the landward migration of the island.
- B.
Assateague Island has migrated westward more than 1,148 feet (350 m) since 1933! The installation of a seawall to stabilize the Ocean City Inlet in the 1849 starved northern Assateague Island beaches of sand. This accelerated the landward migration of the island.
- C.
Assateague Island has migrated westward more than 1,148 feet (350 m) since 1933! The installation of a seawall to stabilize the Ocean City Inlet in the 1849 starved northern Assateague Island beaches of sand. This accelerated the landward migration of the island.The installation of a groin to stabilize the Ocean City Inlet in the 1849 starved northern Assateague Island beaches of sand. This accelerated the landward migration of the island.
- D.
In preparation for the Civil War, a seawall was installed to stabilize the Ocean City Inlet in 1849. Since then, Assateague Island has migrated south!
Correct Answer
A. The installation of a jetty to stabilize the Ocean City Inlet in the 1930's has starved northern Assateague Island beaches of sand. This accelerated the landward migration of the island.Explanation
The correct answer explains that the installation of a jetty in the 1930s caused the northern Assateague Island beaches to be deprived of sand, leading to the accelerated movement of the island towards the land. This suggests that the hard stabilization method of using a jetty had unintended consequences on the natural movement and erosion patterns of the island.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which island inlet shift expands and contracts ?
- A.
Bogue Banks
- B.
Topsail
- C.
Oregon
- D.
Bald Head
Correct Answer
A. Bogue BanksExplanation
Bogue Banks is the correct answer because it is an island inlet that experiences a shift in size, expanding and contracting. This suggests that the size of Bogue Banks can change over time, potentially due to factors such as tides, currents, or erosion. The other options, Topsail, Oregon, and Bald Head, do not have the same characteristic of expanding and contracting.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which island inlet shifts by migrating?
- A.
Bogue Banks
- B.
Topsail
- C.
Oregon
- D.
Bald Head
Correct Answer
C. Oregon -
- 13.
Which island inlet shifts by returning ?
- A.
Bogue Banks
- B.
Topsail
- C.
Oregon
- D.
Bald Head
Correct Answer
B. TopsailExplanation
Topsail is the correct answer because it is an island inlet that shifts by returning. This suggests that the movement of the inlet is characterized by a pattern of shifting and then returning to its original position. Bogue Banks, Oregon, and Bald Head are not described as having this specific characteristic.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What are storm bars?
- A.
Storm bars form as storm weather erodes the near shore sand bar and beach in preparation for a storm.
- B.
Storm bars form as storm weather erodes the berm and creates a sand bar during fair weather.
- C.
Storm bars form as the storm sediments overwash the island during a storm.
- D.
Storm bars form as wave strength, duration and fetch expand.
Correct Answer
A. Storm bars form as storm weather erodes the near shore sand bar and beach in preparation for a storm. -
- 15.
What is projected to occur in the year 2100? North Carolina has been identified as one of the three states with the highest vulnerability to sea level rise. North Carolina has 5900 sq. km of land below 1 meter in elevation, over 300 miles of beaches and more than 4,600 miles of shoreline along our sounds, coastal rivers and wetlands. According to "The Beaches are Moving", By 2100, a 1 ft of sea level rise on North Carolina's gently sloping coastline equals approximately how many feet of shoreline retreat?
- A.
1 ft of sea level rise equals 2000 feet of shoreline retreat.
- B.
1 ft of sea level rise equals 6 feet of shoreline retreat.
- C.
1 ft of sea level rise equals 10,000 feet of shoreline retreat.
- D.
1 ft of sea level rise equals 4.6 feet of shoreline retreat.
Correct Answer
A. 1 ft of sea level rise equals 2000 feet of shoreline retreat.Explanation
The correct answer is 1 ft of sea level rise equals 2000 feet of shoreline retreat. This means that if the sea level rises by 1 ft, the shoreline will retreat by 2000 feet. This information is based on the data provided about North Carolina's vulnerability to sea level rise and the characteristics of its coastline.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Why are the Outer Banks so far from the mainland coast of North Carolina?
- A.
With sea level rise, the mainland coastal plain receded faster than the islands are migrated landward.
- B.
The Outer Banks are floating seaward due to migration.
- C.
The Outer Banks are returning to their original location further out on the continental shelf.
- D.
Sound waters in the basin behind the Outer Banks are filling with sand causing the islands to roll seaward.
Correct Answer
A. With sea level rise, the mainland coastal plain receded faster than the islands are migrated landward.Explanation
The correct answer is that with sea level rise, the mainland coastal plain receded faster than the islands migrated landward. This means that as the sea level rose, the mainland coastal plain moved further away from the islands, causing them to be far from the mainland coast of North Carolina.Rate this question:
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- 17.
What does this photo show about a barrier island maritime forest?
- A.
That a maritime forest is found in the middle of the widest part of an island.
- B.
That barrier islands are long and thin.
- C.
That a dune is not found on the sound side of an island.
- D.
That the island hasn't much shade from the sun.
Correct Answer
A. That a maritime forest is found in the middle of the widest part of an island.Explanation
The photo shows a dense forest located in the center of the widest part of an island. This suggests that the island has a maritime forest, which is a type of forest that grows in coastal areas and is influenced by the nearby ocean. The fact that the forest is situated in the middle of the widest part of the island indicates that it is a prominent feature and an important part of the island's ecosystem.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Identify this kind of hard stabilization:
- A.
Jetties.
- B.
Groins.
- C.
Seawalls.
- D.
Breakwaters.
Correct Answer
A. Jetties.Explanation
Jetties are a type of hard stabilization structure that are built perpendicular to the shoreline. They are designed to trap sediment and prevent it from being carried away by longshore currents, thus helping to stabilize the beach. Jetties are typically constructed in pairs, with one jetty on each side of an inlet or harbor entrance. They are often made of concrete or stone and can vary in length depending on the specific location and purpose. Jetties are commonly used to protect navigation channels and harbors from sedimentation and to improve navigation conditions.Rate this question:
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- 19.
How is a long shore current formed?
- A.
A long shore current is formed as ordinary waves retreat from the shoreline slope causing them to angle towards the dunes creating a current.
- B.
A long shore current is formed as overwash waves hit the shoreline slope causing them to angle inward creating a current.
- C.
A long shore current is formed as parallel waves hit the beach causing a current to form along the shore.
- D.
A long shore current is formed as ordinary waves hit the shoreline slope causing them to angle away creating a current.
Correct Answer
D. A long shore current is formed as ordinary waves hit the shoreline slope causing them to angle away creating a current.Explanation
A long shore current is formed as ordinary waves hit the shoreline slope causing them to angle away creating a current. As the waves approach the shore, they encounter the slope of the shoreline. This slope causes the waves to refract or bend, with the wave crests becoming parallel to the shoreline. This angled wave action creates a current that flows along the shore, parallel to the shoreline. This current is known as a long shore current.Rate this question:
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- 20.
What does this arrow identify?
- A.
Longshore current.
- B.
Tidal current.
- C.
Ebb tidal delta.
- D.
Flood tidal delta.
- E.
Littoral current.
Correct Answer
A. Longshore current.Explanation
The arrow in the question identifies a longshore current. A longshore current is a current that flows parallel to the shoreline, caused by the oblique angle at which waves approach the coast. It is responsible for the movement of sediment along the coast and can create features such as sandbars and spits.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 18, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 29, 2018Quiz Created by
Rhaveno
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