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Water Cycle & Human Impact

Total questions: 10

Worksheet time: 5mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

The image is a model showing the processes of the water cycle. Water uptake to the atmosphere occurs through the processes of evaporation and transpiration from plants where it condenses to form clouds. Clouds release the water through precipitation. During a summer of extreme drought, what can we expect to happen to the surface ground water stored in ponds and lakes?

a)

water levels will increase because there is more precipitation

b)

animals won't drink as much to save water, so water levels remain the same

c)

water levels will increase because there is more evaporation and transpiration

d)

water levels will decrease because there is more evaporation and transpiration

2.


The image is a model showing the processes of the water cycle. Water uptake to the atmosphere occurs through the processes of evaporation and transpiration from plants where it condenses to form clouds. Clouds release the water through precipitation. During an extreme rainy season, what can we expect to happen to the surface ground water stored in ponds and lakes?

a)

animals drink more water, so water levels decrease

b)

water levels will increase because there is more precipitation

c)

water levels will increase because there is more evaporation and transpiration

d)

water levels will decrease because there is more evaporation and transpiration

3.


Look carefully at the model. During a drought, there is less water available for the plants. There is less runoff and less infiltration. During a drought, less water is returned to the atmosphere by the plants through __________, and there is a decrease in the plants' rate of ___________.

a)

respiration; photosynthesis

b)

photosynthesis; condensation

c)

transpiration; photosynthesis

d)

photosynthesis;transpiration

4.


Describe the role of plants in the movement of water through the water cycle.

a)

Plants act as a water reservoir by absorbing water and holding it in plant cells.

b)

Plants absorb water and release back into the atmosphere through transpiration.

c)

Plants cause water to condense into the atmosphere and form clouds.

d)

Plants absorb water and use the water for photosynthesis.

5.

Oil spills are extremely hazardous to the environment. There are many strategies that can be used to manage the spill. When is it an appropriate solution to leave the oil alone and allow it to break down naturally?

a)

when the oil spill is extensive and hard to contain

b)

when the oil spill is a result of a damaged underwater pipe

c)

when the oil spill is a result of oil leakage from a ship at sea

d)

when the oil spill poses no threat to the coastline or its marine life

6.

When we think about water pollution like this, we think that people have thrown things away right there, in the water, or on the side of the road. But pollutants and trash can get into the water in other ways. One way trash can end up in water is through your home so you should be very careful about what you throw away and how you do it! You should be very careful about what you DISPOSE of in your house. ALL BUT ONE possible pollutant may enter a water system from your home.

a)

Motor oil in the gutter

b)

Baby wipes in the toilet

c)

Paint down the sink drain

d)

Soap products down the drains

7.

An extreme example of ocean pollution is The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This is a body of pollution so great that it is beyond measuring. In this vast area of garbage are little bits of plastics that are invisible to the naked eye. Since plastic is not biodegradable, it can causes harm to ocean animals. Which statement is NOT a solution to minimizing this form of ocean pollution so that future garbage patches are not created?

a)

Bring your own reusable bag to the grocery store for purchase

b)

Buy single Serving or individually packaged items when possible.

c)

Encourage industries to design and use non-plastic packaging for items

d)

Refill reusable bottles with water instead of purchasing plastic bottled water.

8.

There are effective strategies for dealing with water pollution, but the best solution is prevention. Which statement is NOT a reasonable option for reducing and preventing water pollution?



a)

Reduce pesticide usage.

b)

Use environmentally friendly detergents.

c)

Dispose of oil by pouring it down the drain.

d)

Use water efficiently and conserve water whenever possible

9.


The image is an example of point source water pollution. Waste water is running from a discharge pipe into a river.

Identify a solution to stop this type of water contamination.

a)

send the waste water to a sewage treatment plant to remove contaminants

b)

run the pipe to a large farm to be used for irrigation

c)

close the end of the pipe

d)

discharge the waste water into a large lake

10.


After a chemical spill in a nearby lake, residents began to notice a large number of dead turtles washing up on the shore.

What is the likely cause of the turtle deaths?

a)

Overfishing of the turtles by the local fishermen.

b)

Someone has introduced a new turtle predator to the lake's ecosystem.

c)

The lake water mixed with the spilled chemical and created a toxic pollutant.

d)

The elimination of the insects and plants that make up most of the turtle's diet.