Water System, Drainage Basins & Flooding - Open
Quiz to assess recall and understanding of key terms & concepts covered in the first topics of Freshwater: Issues & conflicts
- 1.
Which of the following components is not a part of the global hydrological cycle?
- A.
Precipitation
- B.
Evaporation
- C.
Insolation
- D.
Condensation
Correct Answer
C. InsolationExplanation
Insolation refers to the incoming solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. While it plays a crucial role in driving the hydrological cycle by providing the energy needed for evaporation, it is not considered a direct component of the cycle itself. The global hydrological cycle primarily involves the processes of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation, where water moves between the atmosphere, land, and oceans.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following correctly describes the distribution of the Earth's water?
- A.
Oceans 94.7%, Ice & Glaciers 2.3%, Underground 3.0%, remainder in fresh surface water.
- B.
Oceans 97.4%, Ice & Glaciers 0.6%, Underground 1.9%, remainder in fresh surface water.
- C.
Oceans 97.4%, Ice & Glaciers 2.0%, Underground 0.59%, remainder in fresh surface water.
- D.
Oceans 94.7%, Ice & Glaciers 2.0%, Underground 0.59%, remainder in fresh surface water.
Correct Answer
C. Oceans 97.4%, Ice & Glaciers 2.0%, Underground 0.59%, remainder in fresh surface water.Explanation
The correct answer is Oceans 97.4%, Ice & Glaciers 2.0%, Underground 0.59%, remainder in fresh surface water. This answer accurately describes the distribution of the Earth's water by stating that the oceans contain 97.4% of the water, ice and glaciers contain 2.0%, underground sources contain 0.59%, and the remaining water is found in fresh surface water sources.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Eustatic refers to .....
- A.
Expansion of water
- B.
Increased elevation of land
- C.
Greater evaporation
- D.
Changes in sea level
Correct Answer
D. Changes in sea levelExplanation
Eustatic refers to changes in sea level. It is a term used to describe the global variations in the level of the Earth's oceans. These changes can be caused by factors such as melting glaciers, thermal expansion of seawater, or tectonic movements. Eustatic sea level changes affect all coastlines uniformly, regardless of local factors such as tides or land elevation. Therefore, the correct answer is "Changes in sea level".Rate this question:
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- 4.
The following list of drainage basin components are all classified as stores
- A.
Groundwater, Water table, Percolation
- B.
Interception, Soil Moisture, Groundwater
- C.
Stemflow, Interception, Evapotranspiration
- D.
Infiltration, Surface Storage, Percolation
Correct Answer
B. Interception, Soil Moisture, GroundwaterExplanation
The components listed in the answer - interception, soil moisture, and groundwater - are all classified as stores in a drainage basin. Interception refers to the process of water being intercepted by vegetation before it reaches the ground. Soil moisture refers to the water stored in the soil. Groundwater refers to the water stored underground in rock layers or aquifers. These components act as reservoirs or stores of water within the drainage basin, contributing to the overall water balance and hydrological cycle.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The following list of drainage basin components are all classified as flows/transfers
- A.
Infiltration, Percolation, Stemflow, Surface Runoff
- B.
Precipitation, Interflow, Surface Runoff, Channel Flow
- C.
Throughflow, Baseflow, Interception, Transpiration
- D.
Percolation, Soil Moisture, Evaporation, Isostatic adjustment
Correct Answer
A. Infiltration, Percolation, Stemflow, Surface RunoffExplanation
The listed components of a drainage basin are all classified as flows/transfers because they involve the movement of water within the system. Infiltration refers to the process of water seeping into the ground, percolation is the downward movement of water through soil and rock layers, stemflow is the flow of water down plant stems and trunks, and surface runoff is the movement of water across the land surface. All of these processes involve the transfer of water from one location to another within the drainage basin.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Soil moisture deficit is the situation where;
- A.
Evaporation rates have begun to exceed precipitation and draws off excess moisture in the soil that accumulated when precipitation was higher.
- B.
Rates of evaporation have exceeded precipitation, and surplus soil moisture has been all used up.
- C.
Having experienced a period where precipitation exceeds evaporation and moisture deficits have been made up, the soil accrues more moisture than it can hold.
- D.
Having experienced a period where evaporation has exceeded precipitation and moisture in the soil has been depleted, precipitation becomes greater than evaporation and the soil starts filling up again.
Correct Answer
B. Rates of evaporation have exceeded precipitation, and surplus soil moisture has been all used up.Explanation
Soil moisture deficit occurs when the rates of evaporation are higher than the rates of precipitation, causing the excess moisture in the soil to be drawn off. This means that the surplus soil moisture that was accumulated during a period of higher precipitation has been completely used up.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Soil moisture recharge is the situation where;
- A.
Rates of evaporation have exceeded precipitation, and surplus soil moisture has been all used up.
- B.
Having experienced a period where precipitation exceeds evaporation and moisture deficits have been made up, the soil accrues more moisture than it can hold.
- C.
Evaporation rates have begun to exceed precipitation and draws off excess moisture in the soil that accumulated when precipitation was higher.
- D.
Having experienced a period where evaporation has exceeded precipitation and moisture in the soil has been depleted, precipitation becomes greater than evaporation and the soil starts filling up again.
Correct Answer
D. Having experienced a period where evaporation has exceeded precipitation and moisture in the soil has been depleted, precipitation becomes greater than evaporation and the soil starts filling up again. -
- 8.
Soil moisture surplus is the situation where;
- A.
Evaporation rates have begun to exceed precipitation and draws off excess moisture in the soil that accumulated when precipitation was higher.
- B.
Rates of evaporation have exceeded precipitation, and surplus soil moisture has been all used up.
- C.
Having experienced a period where precipitation exceeds evaporation and moisture deficits have been made up, the soil accrues more moisture than it can hold.
- D.
Having experienced a period where evaporation has exceeded precipitation and moisture in the soil has been depleted, precipitation becomes greater than evaporation and the soil starts filling up again.
Correct Answer
C. Having experienced a period where precipitation exceeds evaporation and moisture deficits have been made up, the soil accrues more moisture than it can hold.Explanation
Soil moisture surplus occurs when there has been a period of higher precipitation than evaporation, leading to the accumulation of excess moisture in the soil. This means that the soil has received more water than it can retain, resulting in a surplus of moisture.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Soil moisture utilization is the situation where:
- A.
Having experienced a period where evaporation has exceeded precipitation and moisture in the soil has been depleted, precipitation becomes greater than evaporation and the soil starts filling up again.
- B.
Evaporation rates have begun to exceed precipitation and draws off excess moisture in the soil that accumulated when precipitation was higher.
- C.
Having experienced a period where precipitation exceeds evaporation and moisture deficits have been made up, the soil accrues more moisture than it can hold.
- D.
Rates of evaporation have exceeded precipitation, and surplus soil moisture has been all used up.
Correct Answer
B. Evaporation rates have begun to exceed precipitation and draws off excess moisture in the soil that accumulated when precipitation was higher.Explanation
Soil moisture utilization refers to the situation where evaporation rates start to exceed precipitation, causing excess moisture in the soil to be drawn off. This excess moisture had accumulated when precipitation was higher. This explanation aligns with the given correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 10.
On the soil moisture budget graph below soil moisture deficit can be seen in which months?
- A.
January, February, March, April
- B.
August, September, October, November
- C.
April, May, June, July
- D.
June, July, August, September
Correct Answer
D. June, July, August, SeptemberExplanation
The correct answer is June, July, August, September. This can be determined by analyzing the soil moisture budget graph. In these months, the graph shows a decrease in soil moisture, indicating a soil moisture deficit.Rate this question:
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- 11.
On the soil moisture budget graph below, soil moisture recharge can be seen in which months?
- A.
July & August
- B.
September & October
- C.
November & December
- D.
February & March
Correct Answer
A. July & AugustExplanation
In the soil moisture budget graph, the months of July and August show an increase in soil moisture, indicating soil moisture recharge. This is supported by the upward trend in the graph during these months. Therefore, July and August are the months in which soil moisture recharge can be seen.Rate this question:
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- 12.
On the Flood Hydrograph below, Peak Discharge is labelled -
- A.
A
- B.
B
- C.
C
- D.
D
- E.
E
- F.
F
Correct Answer
C. CExplanation
The correct answer is C because it represents the highest point on the flood hydrograph, indicating the peak discharge of the river during the flood event. This is the point where the river reaches its maximum flow rate and water level, and it is an important parameter for understanding the severity and duration of the flood.Rate this question:
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- 13.
On the Flood Hydrograph below, Lag Time is labelled as -
- A.
A
- B.
B
- C.
C
- D.
D
- E.
E
- F.
F
Correct Answer
B. BExplanation
The correct answer is B because lag time refers to the time difference between the peak rainfall and the peak discharge in a hydrograph. In this case, point B on the hydrograph represents the peak discharge, while point A represents the peak rainfall. Therefore, the time difference between these two points is the lag time.Rate this question:
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- 14.
In the graph below, both Locations experience the same precipitation event. The urban area is likely to be -
- A.
Location B, because streams in urban areas typically don't have as much discharge as streams in the countryside
- B.
Location A, because there is a long lag time due to high rates of infiltration.
- C.
Location B, because the water takes longer to drain away
- D.
Location A, because urban areas with their hard surfaces produce high peak discharge quite rapidly.
Correct Answer
D. Location A, because urban areas with their hard surfaces produce high peak discharge quite rapidly. -
- 15.
Which of the following is not a type of erosion?
- A.
Attrition
- B.
Traction
- C.
Corrasion
- D.
Hydraulic Action
Correct Answer
B. TractionExplanation
Traction is not a type of erosion. Traction refers to the movement of large, heavy particles such as rocks and boulders along the bed of a river or stream, caused by the force of the flowing water. While traction is a process that can contribute to erosion by transporting sediment, it is not a type of erosion itself. Erosion refers to the wearing away and removal of rock, soil, or other materials by natural agents such as water, wind, or ice.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Which of the following is not a type of transportation?
- A.
Solution
- B.
Traction
- C.
Saltation
- D.
Corrosion
Correct Answer
D. CorrosionExplanation
Corrosion is not a type of transportation. Traction and saltation are both types of transportation, referring to the movement of particles or objects through a medium, such as wind or water. Corrosion, on the other hand, is a chemical process that causes the deterioration of materials, typically metals, due to environmental factors such as moisture and oxidation. It does not involve the movement of objects or particles from one place to another.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The fluvial landform in the picture below would be best described as a
- A.
Levee
- B.
Oxbow Lake
- C.
Meander
- D.
Terrace
Correct Answer
C. MeanderExplanation
The correct answer is Meander because the landform in the picture shows a winding, curved shape, which is characteristic of a meander. Meanders are formed by the erosive and depositional processes of a river, causing it to curve and create loops in its course. The image does not show a raised bank like a levee, a crescent-shaped lake like an oxbow lake, or a flat, elevated platform like a terrace.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The fluvial landform in the picture below would be best described as a
- A.
Delta
- B.
Meander
- C.
Flood plain
- D.
Braided Stream
Correct Answer
D. Braided StreamExplanation
The fluvial landform in the picture appears to have multiple channels that are interconnected and braided, indicating a braided stream. This type of stream typically occurs in areas with high sediment load and variable flow conditions. The presence of multiple channels suggests that the stream frequently changes its course, resulting in a complex network of interwoven channels. This is different from a delta, which is a landform formed at the mouth of a river where it meets a body of water, and a meander, which refers to a winding curve or bend in a river. A flood plain is a flat area adjacent to a river that is prone to flooding.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The fluvial landform in the picture below would be best described as a
- A.
Arcuate Delta
- B.
Birdsfoot Delta
- C.
Cuspate Delta
- D.
Southern Delta
Correct Answer
A. Arcuate DeltaExplanation
The fluvial landform in the picture is best described as an arcuate delta. This type of delta is characterized by a curved or semi-circular shape, which is formed when a river deposits sediment in a fan-like pattern. The sediment is carried by the river and then deposited at its mouth, creating a triangular or fan-shaped landform. The arcuate delta is typically found in areas with moderate to high wave energy and tidal currents.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The fluvial landform shown in the picture below would be best described as
- A.
V-Shaped Valley
- B.
Interlocking spurs
- C.
Meanders
- D.
Flood plain
Correct Answer
B. Interlocking spursExplanation
The fluvial landform shown in the picture is best described as interlocking spurs. Interlocking spurs are ridges that extend into a valley and are formed when a river erodes the surrounding landscape. The river follows a winding path around these ridges, creating a series of interlocking spurs. This landform is commonly found in mountainous areas where rivers have to navigate around obstacles. The picture likely shows a river flowing through a hilly or mountainous region with distinct ridges extending into the valley, indicating the presence of interlocking spurs.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The fluvial landform shown in the picture below would be best described as
- A.
Meander
- B.
Terrace
- C.
Floodplain
- D.
Oxbow Lake
Correct Answer
D. Oxbow LakeExplanation
The correct answer is Oxbow Lake. This is because the picture shows a curved body of water that appears to have been cut off from the main river. Oxbow lakes form when a meandering river erodes through its own neck, creating a new, shorter path. Over time, the abandoned meander becomes isolated and fills with water, forming an oxbow lake. This landform is characterized by its curved shape and the presence of a narrow, curved strip of land connecting it to the main river.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Competence in a stream is
- A.
A measure of the volume of load a stream is able to transport.
- B.
A measure of a stream's ability to erode its bed and banks.
- C.
A measure of the combined velocity and volume of water.
- D.
A measure of the size of load a stream is able to transport.
Correct Answer
D. A measure of the size of load a stream is able to transport.Explanation
Competence in a stream refers to its ability to transport sediment or load. It is a measure of the size of particles or debris that a stream can carry. A stream with high competence can transport larger and heavier particles, while a stream with low competence can only transport smaller particles. Therefore, the correct answer is that competence in a stream is a measure of the size of load it is able to transport.Rate this question:
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- 23.
On the flow chart below, infiltration is labelled as -
- A.
A
- B.
B
- C.
C
- D.
D
- E.
E
Correct Answer
C. CExplanation
Infiltration refers to the process in which water seeps into the ground from the surface. Looking at the options provided, option C is labelled as infiltration. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 24.
On the flow chart below, the component labelled E would be,
- A.
Stem flow
- B.
Groundwater flow
- C.
Throughflow
- D.
Surface Runoff
Correct Answer
D. Surface RunoffExplanation
Based on the given options and the information provided, the component labelled E on the flow chart would be surface runoff. Surface runoff refers to the movement of water over the surface of the land, usually occurring after precipitation or irrigation. It occurs when the ground is saturated or unable to absorb any more water, causing excess water to flow over the surface and eventually into bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, or oceans.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Use the graph below to help you answer the following question. For a particle of sand that is 0.5mm across, what process is likely to be happening if the stream is flowing at 10cm/sec?
- A.
Attrition
- B.
Traction
- C.
Suspension
- D.
Corrasion
Correct Answer
C. SuspensionExplanation
Suspension is the likely process happening if the stream is flowing at 10cm/sec. Suspension occurs when the water flow is strong enough to keep small particles, like sand, suspended and carried along with the flow. In this case, the particle of sand that is 0.5mm across is small enough to be carried in suspension by the stream.Rate this question:
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.jpg "On the flow chart below, the component labelled E would be,")
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Mar 19, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Oct 09, 2012Quiz Created by
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