Water Resources

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AP Environmental Science › Water Resources

Questions 1 - 10
1

The Great Lakes of North America represent the largest source of freshwater on the planet. Approximately how many years ago did the Great Lakes form?

10,000 years ago

100,000 years ago

10,000,000 years ago

100,000,000 years ago

Explanation

The correct response was 10,000 years ago. The Great Lakes formed during glacial recession of the most recent glaciation. This most recent glacial recession occurred between 10-15 thousands years ago. As the glaciers receded northward across North America, melting glacial waters drained and formed what is now known as the Great Lakes.

2

Which of the following irrigation methods is most efficient in terms of maximizing water absorbed by plants and minimizing water lost to the system?

Hydroponic irrigation

Drip irrigation

Spray irrigation

Furrow irrigation

Flood irrigation

Explanation

In hydroponics, plants are grown in nutrient-rich water and there is no soil involved in the process. Some water is lost through evaporation, but since it is a closed system, very little water is lost.

3

Which of the following irrigation methods is most efficient in terms of maximizing water absorbed by plants and minimizing water lost to the system?

Hydroponic irrigation

Drip irrigation

Spray irrigation

Furrow irrigation

Flood irrigation

Explanation

In hydroponics, plants are grown in nutrient-rich water and there is no soil involved in the process. Some water is lost through evaporation, but since it is a closed system, very little water is lost.

4

What percentage of the Earth's water is accessible and suitable for human use?

Less than

Between and

Explanation

of the Earth's surface is water, but only is fresh water. Considering just the fresh water, only about is accessible to humans in the form of lakes, rivers, and other drinking sources. That is only .007% of the Earth's water. This is the basis for the clean water crisis that faces Earth's population.

5

What percentage of the Earth's water is accessible and suitable for human use?

Less than

Between and

Explanation

of the Earth's surface is water, but only is fresh water. Considering just the fresh water, only about is accessible to humans in the form of lakes, rivers, and other drinking sources. That is only .007% of the Earth's water. This is the basis for the clean water crisis that faces Earth's population.

6

The Great Lakes of North America represent the largest source of freshwater on the planet. Approximately how many years ago did the Great Lakes form?

10,000 years ago

100,000 years ago

10,000,000 years ago

100,000,000 years ago

Explanation

The correct response was 10,000 years ago. The Great Lakes formed during glacial recession of the most recent glaciation. This most recent glacial recession occurred between 10-15 thousands years ago. As the glaciers receded northward across North America, melting glacial waters drained and formed what is now known as the Great Lakes.

7

Which of the following pairs of adjectives best describes waters brought to the surface by way of upwelling?

Cold and nutrient-rich

Cold and nutrient-poor

Nutrient-rich and warm

Nutrient-poor and warm

Explanation

The process of upwelling brings cold, nutrient-rich waters to the surface that replace warm, nutrient-depleted waters.

8

Which of the following pairs of adjectives best describes waters brought to the surface by way of upwelling?

Cold and nutrient-rich

Cold and nutrient-poor

Nutrient-rich and warm

Nutrient-poor and warm

Explanation

The process of upwelling brings cold, nutrient-rich waters to the surface that replace warm, nutrient-depleted waters.

9

The current drought has seriously affected farmers in California. Which of the following is NOT something a farmer would want to do to conserve water?

There's very little freshwater in California, but a farmer could irrigate their fields with seawater.

Planting fields with drought-resistant crops, such as artichokes.

Raising livestock that consume less water, like goats and chickens.

Switching from spray irrigation to drip-line irrigation, which uses less water.

Experimenting with hot-house cultivation.

Explanation

Seawater is not fit for use in agriculture. An excess of salt in a field results in water being drawn from plant roots due instead of the other way around. Spartans salted the orchards of their enemies to cripple their civilizations; one should not irrigate with seawater if one's intent is to grow crops.

10

The current drought has seriously affected farmers in California. Which of the following is NOT something a farmer would want to do to conserve water?

There's very little freshwater in California, but a farmer could irrigate their fields with seawater.

Planting fields with drought-resistant crops, such as artichokes.

Raising livestock that consume less water, like goats and chickens.

Switching from spray irrigation to drip-line irrigation, which uses less water.

Experimenting with hot-house cultivation.

Explanation

Seawater is not fit for use in agriculture. An excess of salt in a field results in water being drawn from plant roots due instead of the other way around. Spartans salted the orchards of their enemies to cripple their civilizations; one should not irrigate with seawater if one's intent is to grow crops.

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