Physical Geography Review

In the early 1900s what contributed to the expansion of New Orleans beyond the Natural Levee?

• More effective pumps were invented to drain swampland.

• Houseboats provided residents with a swamp-friendly living arrangement.

• New building materials allowed large homes and buildings to be constructed in the swamp.

• A natural decrease in the water levels of the Mississippi River allowed residents to move further into the swamp.

How does the extensive flood control system along the Mississippi River affect the Passes?

• It does not affect the Passes in any significant way.

• It decreases the volume of water and sediment flowing into the Passes.

• It increases the volume and speed of water flowing into the Passes causing a decrease in land area.

• It redirects sediment deposits from the banks of the Mississippi into the Passes causing the land area to continually expand and change.

How did the damming of the Sabine River change the geography of the Hills region?

• It caused the river to change course.

• It lowered the overall elevation of the region.

• It stopped the flow of the Sabine River completely.

• It created a giant lake known as the Toledo Bend Reservoir.

Which explains why American settlement of the Red River valley was delayed?

• Frequent flooding caused erosion of fertile soil.

• The river was blocked in places and difficult to navigate.

• Caddo Indians refused to sell their land after the Louisiana Purchase.

• The red soil deposited by the river was filled with toxins from upstream.

Following a hurricane, which has the greatest impact on Louisiana’s agricultural industry?

• Flooding causes stores to close.

• Flooding damages homes and automobiles.

• Hurricanes shorten Louisiana’s growing season.

• Storm surges often cover citrus groves with saltwater, killing many trees.

What conclusion can be drawn from the information in the chart?

• Coastal wetlands provide a safe environment for wildlife.

• Coastal wetlands have remained unchanged for the past 100 years.

• Coastal wetlands have been greatly diminished by human intervention.

• Coastal wetlands have been expanded as a result of human intervention.

How did the Mississippi River Commission’s initial “levees-only” policy affect the people living in the Mississippi floodplain?

• Residents were fined if they did not comply.

• This policy did not affect people living in this region.

• Many were left homeless after floodwaters topped the levees.

• Farms along the river were much more successful now that flooding had been stopped.

Which is a potential outcome if the erosion of Louisiana’s wetlands continues without intervention?

• Fish and bird populations would increase.

• Gas prices would decrease across the nation.

• Seafood prices would increase across the nation.

• There would not be any noticeable consequences.

What conclusion could be drawn from the maps?

• The Passes are a stable ecosystem.

• The Passes continually change and evolve due to the deposits of sediment.

• The Passes are not affected when the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico.

• The Passes are changing because water levels in the Gulf of Mexico are decreasing.

How does the elevation of the Gulf Coastal Plain compare to other regions in the United States?

• It is the same.

• It is consistently lower.

• It is consistently higher.

• It varies greatly from high to low.