Water Resources and Water Footprints

Freshwater is any naturally occurring liquid or frozen water containing low concentrations of dissolved ____.

• sugar

• salt

• oxygen

• carbon

Answer explanation

Freshwater is defined by its low concentrations of dissolved salts. Unlike seawater, which has high salt content, freshwater sources like rivers and lakes contain minimal salt, making 'salt' the correct answer.

Groundwater is the water present beneath Earth's surface in rock and soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations. True or False?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Groundwater is indeed the water found beneath the Earth's surface, filling the spaces in rocks and soil, as well as the fractures in rock formations.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

What happens when the demand for water exceeds the water supplies?

• Water shortages can occur

• Water becomes more abundant

• Water quality improves

• Water becomes cheaper

Answer explanation

When the demand for water exceeds supplies, it leads to water shortages. This means there isn't enough water available to meet the needs of people, agriculture, and industry, resulting in scarcity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Which of the following is a source of freshwater?

• Oceans

• Glaciers

• Deserts

• Salt lakes

Answer explanation

Glaciers are a significant source of freshwater, containing about 68.7% of the world's freshwater supply. In contrast, oceans, deserts, and salt lakes primarily contain saltwater or are arid, making them unsuitable as freshwater sources.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Droughts can last for ________; if conditions are serious enough, a drought may even be declared after a few weeks.

• days

• months

• years

• decades

Answer explanation

Droughts can last for months or even years, depending on severity. While some may occur for just days, the question emphasizes longer durations, making 'months' and 'years' the correct answers.

What are some consequences of serious drought?

• Devastate crops

• Dry out forests

• Increase wildfires

• All of the above.

Answer explanation

Serious drought can devastate crops, dry out forests, and increase wildfires. All these consequences are interconnected, making 'All of the above' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Direct water use is when you ________ a faucet or a hose for water.

• turn on

• turn off

• fix

• replace

Answer explanation

Direct water use occurs when you 'turn on' a faucet or hose, allowing water to flow. This action directly utilizes water for various purposes, making 'turn on' the correct choice.

According to the diagram, what percentage of direct water use in the US comes from flushing toilets?

• 20%

• 24%

• 17%

• 12%

Answer explanation

The diagram indicates that 24% of direct water use in the US is attributed to flushing toilets, making this the correct choice among the options provided.

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of serious drought?

• Increase wildfires

• Devastate crops

• Abundant water supply

• Stress business and economy

Answer explanation

Drought leads to water scarcity, not an abundant water supply. While drought can increase wildfires, devastate crops, and stress the economy, an abundant water supply is the opposite of what occurs during serious drought.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Fill in the blank: The steak in the typical U.S. diet meal requires ______ gallons of water.

• 500

• 900

• 1,200

• 1,500

Answer explanation

The typical U.S. diet meal requires 900 gallons of water to produce a steak. This figure highlights the significant water footprint of meat production, making 900 the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4