Earth Science SOL Unit 9.4 - Virginia's Major Watersheds

Which geographic region has the least impact on the water quality of Chesapeake Bay?

• Appalachian Plateau

• Coastal Plain

• Piedmont

• Blue Ridge Mountains

Answer explanation

The Appalachian Plateau has the least impact on Chesapeake Bay's water quality due to its distance from the bay and lower population density, resulting in less runoff and pollution compared to the other regions.

Which state is mentioned as part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed?

• Maryland

• Florida

• Texas

• California

Answer explanation

Maryland is part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which includes areas that drain into the bay. The other states listed (Florida, Texas, California) are not part of this watershed.

Virginia's watersheds primarily drain into the (a)   .

• Pacific Ocean

• Atlantic Ocean

• Indian Ocean

• Arctic Ocean

Answer explanation

Virginia's watersheds primarily drain into the Atlantic Ocean, as the state's rivers and streams flow eastward towards this ocean, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

What are pollutants?

• Substances that enhance the natural composition of the environment

• Substances that alter the natural composition of the environment

• Substances that have no effect on the environment

• Substances that improve the quality of water

Answer explanation

Pollutants are substances that alter the natural composition of the environment, often causing harm. The correct choice highlights their negative impact, unlike the other options which suggest enhancement or no effect.

Tags

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What are the two major pollutants in the Chesapeake Bay?

• Excess Nutrients and Excess Sediment

• Excess Water and Excess Air

• Excess Chemicals and Excess Waste

• Excess Plants and Excess Animals

Answer explanation

The Chesapeake Bay is primarily affected by excess nutrients, which lead to algal blooms, and excess sediment, which can smother aquatic habitats. These two pollutants significantly impact the bay's ecosystem.

Tags

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What is the role of runoff in pollution?

• It prevents pollution.

• It carries pollutants into rivers.

• It cleans the water.

• It reduces pollutants.

Answer explanation

Runoff plays a significant role in pollution by carrying pollutants from land surfaces into rivers. This process can lead to water contamination, making 'It carries pollutants into rivers' the correct choice.

Match the following rivers to the watersheds they drain into.

• New River

• North Carolina Sounds

• Roanoke River

• Gulf of Mexico

• James River

• Chesapeake Bay

Answer explanation

Refer to your notes on Virginia Major Watersheds

Match the following effects of pollutants with their consequences.

• Depleted Oxygen

• Smothers oysters

• Dead Zones

• Covers the Bay and blocks sunlight from reaching underwater grasses

• Algae Blooms

• Aquatic life cannot survive

Answer explanation

Refer to your notes on Virginia Major Watersheds.

Tags

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Which TWO of the following can result from the removal of vegetation?

• Increased Oxygen

• Erosion

• Runoff

Answer explanation

The removal of vegetation can lead to increased erosion as there are fewer roots to hold the soil in place. Additionally, it can cause increased runoff since vegetation helps absorb water, reducing surface water flow.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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Which TWO of the following are some of the main causes of runoffs?

• Agricultural Activities

• Cooking

• Construction Activities

Answer explanation

Runoff is primarily caused by agricultural activities, which involve fertilizers and pesticides, and construction activities, which disturb the soil and increase impervious surfaces, leading to more runoff.