Watershed and Human Activity

A student’s model of an area near a city depicts many activities that affect the quality of the water in the area. How does the agricultural activity most likely affect the surface water of the area?

• Crops absorb pure water from soil, causing the remaining water to contain more salt.

• Crops reduce erosion, increasing the amount of soil entering the river.

• Excess crop fertilizer is carried by runoff into the river, causing excess growth of water plants.

• Excess crop material accumulates on the riverbanks, slowing the movement of the river water

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

A student drew the model below to represent a part of a watershed and some human activities that affect the watershed. How do the industrial, agricultural, and residential activities of humans most likely affect the groundwater in the area?

• Pollutants from the activities percolate through the soil and enter the water table.

• The activities prevent most of the water from evaporating into the atmosphere.

• The activities replace the groundwater used.

• All of the above

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

When runoff crosses the land, it picks up fertilizers that have been used on crops and lawns. These contaminants will eventually enter a lake, river or stream, which may lead to -

• the earth’s surface to sink.

• the water in an aquifer to drop.

• harmful rapid growth of algae.

• cleaner water for drinking and bathing.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

An area experiences a long period of drought forcing towns to pump out almost all of the water held in aquifers. What is the most likely result of this over pumping?

• Stability of underground rock layers will be weakened.

• Excessive growth of plants will occur in local lakes.

• Rainfall levels will increase and fill the aquifer.

• A dead zone will be created in the watershed.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

What is the primary effect of urbanization on watersheds?

• Increased water absorption by soil

• Decreased wildlife diversity

• Increased surface runoff

• Enhanced natural water filtration

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Why is it important to maintain a healthy watershed?

• To ensure a consistent supply of industrial water only

• To increase land available for development

• To protect biodiversity and ensure clean water supply

• To increase sedimentation for land reclamation

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

How does deforestation within a watershed likely affect the local water cycle?

• Increases evaporation

• Decreases transpiration

• Increases precipitation

• Decreases condensation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which of the following activities can negatively impact a watershed?

• Planting native vegetation

• Building dams

• Implementing soil conservation measures

• Reducing pesticide use

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Why is it important to maintain healthy watersheds?

• They can generate electricity

• They support biodiversity

• They are a primary source of mineral resources

• They increase land value for real estate

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall

What role do forests play in maintaining watershed health?

• They decrease the amount of oxygen in the water

• They increase water pollution

• They prevent soil erosion

• They block sunlight needed by aquatic plants

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept