Surface Water

A _______is the water in an area of land that drains to a stream, river, or lake. Any body of water that is above ground is called ________. Dams, development, and ______have negative impacts on bodies of water.

• wetland; groundwater; pollution

• wetland; surface water; sanitation

• watershed; a wetland; filtration

• watershed; surface water; pollution

Answer explanation

A watershed is the area that drains to a water body. Surface water refers to above-ground water, and pollution negatively affects these bodies of water, making 'watershed; surface water; pollution' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

A community is providing suggestions on how people can protect surface water. Which suggestions would be the most effective? Select two answers.

• Conserve water.

• Drink more bottled water.

• Monitor what goes into sewers and drains.

• Place filters on faucets.

Answer explanation

Conserving water reduces runoff and pollution, protecting surface water. Monitoring what goes into sewers and drains prevents contaminants from entering water bodies, making both suggestions effective for water protection.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

When humans build dams, what are the harmful influences on surface water that result? Select two answers.

• Less groundwater under the dam

• Less sediment and nutrients available downstream

• More dissolved oxygen in the river

• More habitats along the river are destroyed

Answer explanation

Dams disrupt sediment transport, leading to less sediment and nutrients downstream, which affects ecosystems. Additionally, dam construction often destroys habitats along the river, harming biodiversity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Look at the image. The glacier is found on a mountain in the American West and as it melts it feeds local watersheds. Pollution from vehicles can cause global temperatures to change and cause glaciers to melt. What will be the long-term negative impact on an area if its glaciers disappear?

• Amount of surface water decreases

• Area of the watershed decreases

• Number of yearly floods increases

• Rate of river water flow increases

Answer explanation

As glaciers melt, they provide essential surface water. Their disappearance leads to a decrease in the amount of surface water available, negatively impacting local ecosystems and water supply.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

The farm in the image raises cattle and uses pesticides and fertilizers on its crops. The farm is near a river. Which of the following best explains how these human activities can negatively influence the river?

Answer explanation

The use of pesticides and fertilizers can lead to runoff, which contaminates the river with harmful chemicals. Additionally, cattle can contribute to nutrient pollution and pathogens, further degrading water quality.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A state has passed a law to reduce the use of plastic grocery bags. This law will protect surface water by:

Answer explanation

Reducing plastic grocery bags decreases litter, preventing them from entering waterways. This helps protect surface water quality by reducing pollution and harm to aquatic life.