Watersheds and Aquifers

Toxic runoff can pollute a stream and also

• produce acid rain. 
• cause soil erosion.
• create algae blooms.
• pollute groundwater.

Which human activity directly affects the quality of freshwater resources?

• depleting the ozone layer
• burning gasoline in car engines
• throwing trash out of car windows
• allowing runoff from agricultural fields

What is most responsible for the presence of groundwater in an area?

• the movement of water from a confined aquifer into surface water
• the movement of surface water and precipitation through the soil and rock
• the movement of water from streams and rivers to watersheds
• the movement of surface water through impermeable rock

A community decides to upgrade its water purification and management systems. What lasting impact could this have on available freshwater?

• It could cause a decrease in water demand.
• It could cause a decrease in water levels.
• It could cause an increase in waterborne diseases.
• It could cause an increase in the freshwater supply.

A rural, forested area receives a lot of rain in a short amount of time. What would most likely cause potential flooding in the area?

• if the area has a large uncharged aquifer beneath it
• if the water level in the area is below the zone of saturation
• if the ground of the area is already saturated with water
• if the ground of the area is mostly sandy soil

Which of the following make up part of Earth's groundwater?

• wetlands
• rivers
• aquifers
• lakes

What is the relationship between groundwater and surface water?

• Surface water percolates (moves) through the soil to form groundwater.
• There is no relationship between surface and groundwater.
• Groundwater filters through the soil to form surface water.
• Surface water is found in lakes directly above underground water sources.

How could a long-term decrease in precipitation impact an area?

• It could increase the average water level of lakes in the area.
• It could increase the amount of flooding in the area.
• It could decrease the amount of possible infiltration in the area.
• It could decrease the possible amount of damage to crops in the area.

Plants release water into the atmosphere through a process called:

• evaporation
• transpiration
• infiltration
• precipitation

A drainage basin or river basin is

• the channel of a stream
• the land covered by floodwaters
• the land area that contributes water to a river
• all streams that flow directly to the ocean