LT 5.5 Practice Quiz (5.6 Honors)

Which of the following is a major source of water pollution caused by human activities?

• Natural erosion

• Industrial discharge

• Volcanic eruptions

• Ocean currents

Answer explanation

Industrial discharge is a major source of water pollution as it involves the release of harmful substances from factories into water bodies, unlike natural processes like erosion or volcanic eruptions which are not human-induced.

Explain how deforestation can lead to changes in the hydrosphere.

• It increases the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere.

• It reduces the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by trees.

• It decreases the infiltration of water into the soil, leading to increased runoff and erosion.

• It enhances the growth of aquatic plants.

Answer explanation

Deforestation reduces tree cover, which decreases water infiltration into the soil. This leads to increased surface runoff and erosion, negatively impacting the hydrosphere by altering water flow and quality.

What is one effect of urbanization on local water systems?

• Decreased water demand

• Increased natural filtration

• Increased surface runoff

• Decreased pollution levels

Answer explanation

Urbanization often leads to increased surface runoff due to the prevalence of impervious surfaces like roads and buildings, which prevent water from being absorbed into the ground, resulting in more water flowing over the surface.

Analyze how agricultural runoff can impact aquatic ecosystems.

• It provides essential nutrients for fish.

• It leads to eutrophication, which can cause algal blooms and oxygen depletion.

• It increases the salinity of freshwater bodies.

• It reduces the temperature of water bodies.

Answer explanation

Agricultural runoff often contains excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to eutrophication. This process causes algal blooms that deplete oxygen in water, harming aquatic life, making this the correct choice.

Which of the following best describes the relationship between climate change and the hydrosphere?

• Climate change has no impact on the hydrosphere.

• Climate change leads to more stable weather patterns.

• Climate change can alter precipitation patterns and increase the frequency of extreme weather events.

• Climate change decreases the evaporation rate from water bodies.

Answer explanation

Climate change significantly impacts the hydrosphere by altering precipitation patterns and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, making this the best description of their relationship.

Evaluate the effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes in reducing water pollution.

• They completely eliminate all pollutants from wastewater.

• They reduce the concentration of harmful substances but may not remove all contaminants.

• They increase the amount of pollutants in water.

• They have no effect on water quality.

Answer explanation

Wastewater treatment processes effectively reduce the concentration of harmful substances in water. However, they may not remove all contaminants, making the second option the most accurate representation of their effectiveness.

Identify a common pollutant found in agricultural runoff.

• Heavy metals

• Pesticides

• Plastic debris

• Oil spills

Answer explanation

Pesticides are commonly used in agriculture to control pests and can easily wash into waterways through runoff, making them a significant pollutant. Heavy metals and oil spills are less directly associated with agricultural practices.

Discuss the strategic measures that can be taken to mitigate the impact of deforestation on the hydrosphere.

• Increase the use of fossil fuels

• Implement reforestation and afforestation projects

• Reduce the use of renewable energy sources

• Increase urban sprawl

Answer explanation

Implementing reforestation and afforestation projects helps restore forests, which play a crucial role in maintaining the hydrosphere by regulating water cycles, improving water quality, and preventing soil erosion.

What is a direct consequence of increased surface runoff due to urbanization?

• Decreased soil erosion

• Increased groundwater recharge

• Increased risk of flooding

• Decreased water pollution

Answer explanation

Increased surface runoff from urbanization leads to more water flowing over impervious surfaces, which can overwhelm drainage systems and result in an increased risk of flooding. This is a direct consequence of reduced natural absorption.

How does climate change potentially affect the availability of freshwater resources?

• It increases the availability of freshwater resources.

• It has no effect on freshwater resources.

• It can lead to changes in the distribution and availability of freshwater resources.

• It ensures a constant supply of freshwater resources.

Answer explanation

Climate change can alter precipitation patterns, leading to shifts in freshwater availability and distribution. This can result in some regions experiencing water scarcity while others may see increased water supply.