Exam 12: Groundwater and Wetlands

Read the following passage taken from http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/about/5-year-plan.htm. Think about science as a process as you read the excerpt and answer this question. "Invasive Species - Most U. S. invasive species are found in aquatic and wetland environments. Forestry, fisheries, navigation, recreation, public water supplies, and public health are among the affected sectors. Loss of native biological diversity because of invasive species constitutes one of the greatest long-term potential impacts affecting the national parks and national wildlife refuges in the coastal zone. In addition, changes in ecosystem characteristics caused by invasive species raise important questions about a wide variety of coastal issues including alteration of fish and wildlife habitat, impacts on restoration efforts, and the need for adjustments in management plans. Water sources for restoration projects often contain invasive species. This is especially true for the Mississippi River and coastal water bodies that are subjected to the spread of invasive aquatic organisms that arrive in the ballast waters of international vessels. Organisms such as the zebra mussel have serious impacts on the ecology of receiving waters, especially on native freshwater bivalves found there. Scientists, in collaboration with land managers, have initiated several projects that address invasive species problems in the Gulf of Mexico coastal region. Most of these current projects involve Chinese tallow, nutria, and cogon grass, but there are numerous other species of concern to wetland and coastal managers. Scientists will expand their invasive species studies in the coastal zone and the Lower Mississippi Valley to address the following National Program goals: understanding the pathways of introduction, assessing and reporting the abundance and spread of invasive species, and assessment of the effects of invasive species on ecosystem properties." -Which of the following typically has the highest porosity?

Read the following passage taken from http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/about/5-year-plan.htm. Think about science as a process as you read the excerpt and answer this question. "Invasive Species - Most U. S. invasive species are found in aquatic and wetland environments. Forestry, fisheries, navigation, recreation, public water supplies, and public health are among the affected sectors. Loss of native biological diversity because of invasive species constitutes one of the greatest long-term potential impacts affecting the national parks and national wildlife refuges in the coastal zone. In addition, changes in ecosystem characteristics caused by invasive species raise important questions about a wide variety of coastal issues including alteration of fish and wildlife habitat, impacts on restoration efforts, and the need for adjustments in management plans. Water sources for restoration projects often contain invasive species. This is especially true for the Mississippi River and coastal water bodies that are subjected to the spread of invasive aquatic organisms that arrive in the ballast waters of international vessels. Organisms such as the zebra mussel have serious impacts on the ecology of receiving waters, especially on native freshwater bivalves found there. Scientists, in collaboration with land managers, have initiated several projects that address invasive species problems in the Gulf of Mexico coastal region. Most of these current projects involve Chinese tallow, nutria, and cogon grass, but there are numerous other species of concern to wetland and coastal managers. Scientists will expand their invasive species studies in the coastal zone and the Lower Mississippi Valley to address the following National Program goals: understanding the pathways of introduction, assessing and reporting the abundance and spread of invasive species, and assessment of the effects of invasive species on ecosystem properties." -One day you are looking through some 150 year old maps in a local historical society near an Urban area as part of a study. What would you likely notice about the amount of wetlands on those maps compared to today?

Most of the water falling as precipitation flows to streams as surface run-off.

Read the following passage taken from http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/about/5-year-plan.htm. Think about science as a process as you read the excerpt and answer this question. "Invasive Species - Most U. S. invasive species are found in aquatic and wetland environments. Forestry, fisheries, navigation, recreation, public water supplies, and public health are among the affected sectors. Loss of native biological diversity because of invasive species constitutes one of the greatest long-term potential impacts affecting the national parks and national wildlife refuges in the coastal zone. In addition, changes in ecosystem characteristics caused by invasive species raise important questions about a wide variety of coastal issues including alteration of fish and wildlife habitat, impacts on restoration efforts, and the need for adjustments in management plans. Water sources for restoration projects often contain invasive species. This is especially true for the Mississippi River and coastal water bodies that are subjected to the spread of invasive aquatic organisms that arrive in the ballast waters of international vessels. Organisms such as the zebra mussel have serious impacts on the ecology of receiving waters, especially on native freshwater bivalves found there. Scientists, in collaboration with land managers, have initiated several projects that address invasive species problems in the Gulf of Mexico coastal region. Most of these current projects involve Chinese tallow, nutria, and cogon grass, but there are numerous other species of concern to wetland and coastal managers. Scientists will expand their invasive species studies in the coastal zone and the Lower Mississippi Valley to address the following National Program goals: understanding the pathways of introduction, assessing and reporting the abundance and spread of invasive species, and assessment of the effects of invasive species on ecosystem properties." -A farmer places nitrogen-based fertilizers and approved pesticides on their fields to improve crop yields. Some of this ends up in surrounding streams and groundwater. What type of pollution is this?

Artesian aquifers are those that will not go dry.

Read the following passage taken from http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/about/5-year-plan.htm. Think about science as a process as you read the excerpt and answer this question. "Invasive Species - Most U. S. invasive species are found in aquatic and wetland environments. Forestry, fisheries, navigation, recreation, public water supplies, and public health are among the affected sectors. Loss of native biological diversity because of invasive species constitutes one of the greatest long-term potential impacts affecting the national parks and national wildlife refuges in the coastal zone. In addition, changes in ecosystem characteristics caused by invasive species raise important questions about a wide variety of coastal issues including alteration of fish and wildlife habitat, impacts on restoration efforts, and the need for adjustments in management plans. Water sources for restoration projects often contain invasive species. This is especially true for the Mississippi River and coastal water bodies that are subjected to the spread of invasive aquatic organisms that arrive in the ballast waters of international vessels. Organisms such as the zebra mussel have serious impacts on the ecology of receiving waters, especially on native freshwater bivalves found there. Scientists, in collaboration with land managers, have initiated several projects that address invasive species problems in the Gulf of Mexico coastal region. Most of these current projects involve Chinese tallow, nutria, and cogon grass, but there are numerous other species of concern to wetland and coastal managers. Scientists will expand their invasive species studies in the coastal zone and the Lower Mississippi Valley to address the following National Program goals: understanding the pathways of introduction, assessing and reporting the abundance and spread of invasive species, and assessment of the effects of invasive species on ecosystem properties." -Arroyos are stream channels in a desert that can fill rapidly with water during storms. Consider the relationship these drainage systems have with groundwater. What type of stream is in an arroyo when water is flowing?

Most of the water falling as precipitation flows to groundwater.

An aquifer is the same as an underground river.

Read the following passage taken from http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/about/5-year-plan.htm. Think about science as a process as you read the excerpt and answer this question. "Invasive Species - Most U. S. invasive species are found in aquatic and wetland environments. Forestry, fisheries, navigation, recreation, public water supplies, and public health are among the affected sectors. Loss of native biological diversity because of invasive species constitutes one of the greatest long-term potential impacts affecting the national parks and national wildlife refuges in the coastal zone. In addition, changes in ecosystem characteristics caused by invasive species raise important questions about a wide variety of coastal issues including alteration of fish and wildlife habitat, impacts on restoration efforts, and the need for adjustments in management plans. Water sources for restoration projects often contain invasive species. This is especially true for the Mississippi River and coastal water bodies that are subjected to the spread of invasive aquatic organisms that arrive in the ballast waters of international vessels. Organisms such as the zebra mussel have serious impacts on the ecology of receiving waters, especially on native freshwater bivalves found there. Scientists, in collaboration with land managers, have initiated several projects that address invasive species problems in the Gulf of Mexico coastal region. Most of these current projects involve Chinese tallow, nutria, and cogon grass, but there are numerous other species of concern to wetland and coastal managers. Scientists will expand their invasive species studies in the coastal zone and the Lower Mississippi Valley to address the following National Program goals: understanding the pathways of introduction, assessing and reporting the abundance and spread of invasive species, and assessment of the effects of invasive species on ecosystem properties." -What hypothesis related to wetland restoration is presented here?

If rock A has greater porosity than rock B, rock B will hold more water than rock A. True False

Read the following passage taken from http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/about/5-year-plan.htm. Think about science as a process as you read the excerpt and answer this question. "Invasive Species - Most U. S. invasive species are found in aquatic and wetland environments. Forestry, fisheries, navigation, recreation, public water supplies, and public health are among the affected sectors. Loss of native biological diversity because of invasive species constitutes one of the greatest long-term potential impacts affecting the national parks and national wildlife refuges in the coastal zone. In addition, changes in ecosystem characteristics caused by invasive species raise important questions about a wide variety of coastal issues including alteration of fish and wildlife habitat, impacts on restoration efforts, and the need for adjustments in management plans. Water sources for restoration projects often contain invasive species. This is especially true for the Mississippi River and coastal water bodies that are subjected to the spread of invasive aquatic organisms that arrive in the ballast waters of international vessels. Organisms such as the zebra mussel have serious impacts on the ecology of receiving waters, especially on native freshwater bivalves found there. Scientists, in collaboration with land managers, have initiated several projects that address invasive species problems in the Gulf of Mexico coastal region. Most of these current projects involve Chinese tallow, nutria, and cogon grass, but there are numerous other species of concern to wetland and coastal managers. Scientists will expand their invasive species studies in the coastal zone and the Lower Mississippi Valley to address the following National Program goals: understanding the pathways of introduction, assessing and reporting the abundance and spread of invasive species, and assessment of the effects of invasive species on ecosystem properties." -Why are the recently drilled water wells in Bangladesh contaminated?

Specific retention increases with decreasing grain size.

The four schematic cross sections below show the potential groundwater resources for an area of hills and valleys. Assume the region is underlain by an open aquifer composed of sand and gravel and receives plentiful rainfall. Which diagram is the best representation of the relationship between topography and water table?

Read the following passage taken from http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/about/5-year-plan.htm. Think about science as a process as you read the excerpt and answer this question. "Invasive Species - Most U. S. invasive species are found in aquatic and wetland environments. Forestry, fisheries, navigation, recreation, public water supplies, and public health are among the affected sectors. Loss of native biological diversity because of invasive species constitutes one of the greatest long-term potential impacts affecting the national parks and national wildlife refuges in the coastal zone. In addition, changes in ecosystem characteristics caused by invasive species raise important questions about a wide variety of coastal issues including alteration of fish and wildlife habitat, impacts on restoration efforts, and the need for adjustments in management plans. Water sources for restoration projects often contain invasive species. This is especially true for the Mississippi River and coastal water bodies that are subjected to the spread of invasive aquatic organisms that arrive in the ballast waters of international vessels. Organisms such as the zebra mussel have serious impacts on the ecology of receiving waters, especially on native freshwater bivalves found there. Scientists, in collaboration with land managers, have initiated several projects that address invasive species problems in the Gulf of Mexico coastal region. Most of these current projects involve Chinese tallow, nutria, and cogon grass, but there are numerous other species of concern to wetland and coastal managers. Scientists will expand their invasive species studies in the coastal zone and the Lower Mississippi Valley to address the following National Program goals: understanding the pathways of introduction, assessing and reporting the abundance and spread of invasive species, and assessment of the effects of invasive species on ecosystem properties." -Suppose a water monitoring well near an old landfill has been found to be contaminated with a cancer causing chemical. The well is about 5000 meters (about 3 miles) away from a housing development that depends on well water. Assume a slow groundwater flow rate of 10 centimeters (0.1 meter) per day. When might the chemical contaminate wells in the development?

Groundwater is made up of a network of underground rivers and lakes.

Wetlands must be covered with water all year.

If rock A has greater permeability than rock B, water will pass through rock A faster than it will pass through rock B. True False

The cross section below simplifies the groundwater sources in a county in a Midwest state. Which rock unit the potential for the worst groundwater production?

Read the following passage taken from http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/about/5-year-plan.htm. Think about science as a process as you read the excerpt and answer this question. "Invasive Species - Most U. S. invasive species are found in aquatic and wetland environments. Forestry, fisheries, navigation, recreation, public water supplies, and public health are among the affected sectors. Loss of native biological diversity because of invasive species constitutes one of the greatest long-term potential impacts affecting the national parks and national wildlife refuges in the coastal zone. In addition, changes in ecosystem characteristics caused by invasive species raise important questions about a wide variety of coastal issues including alteration of fish and wildlife habitat, impacts on restoration efforts, and the need for adjustments in management plans. Water sources for restoration projects often contain invasive species. This is especially true for the Mississippi River and coastal water bodies that are subjected to the spread of invasive aquatic organisms that arrive in the ballast waters of international vessels. Organisms such as the zebra mussel have serious impacts on the ecology of receiving waters, especially on native freshwater bivalves found there. Scientists, in collaboration with land managers, have initiated several projects that address invasive species problems in the Gulf of Mexico coastal region. Most of these current projects involve Chinese tallow, nutria, and cogon grass, but there are numerous other species of concern to wetland and coastal managers. Scientists will expand their invasive species studies in the coastal zone and the Lower Mississippi Valley to address the following National Program goals: understanding the pathways of introduction, assessing and reporting the abundance and spread of invasive species, and assessment of the effects of invasive species on ecosystem properties." -When hiking through a state park one day you come to a wetland area. How would the plants in that wetland compare to other areas of the park where the soil was not saturated?

Read the following passage taken from http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/about/5-year-plan.htm. Think about science as a process as you read the excerpt and answer this question. "Invasive Species - Most U. S. invasive species are found in aquatic and wetland environments. Forestry, fisheries, navigation, recreation, public water supplies, and public health are among the affected sectors. Loss of native biological diversity because of invasive species constitutes one of the greatest long-term potential impacts affecting the national parks and national wildlife refuges in the coastal zone. In addition, changes in ecosystem characteristics caused by invasive species raise important questions about a wide variety of coastal issues including alteration of fish and wildlife habitat, impacts on restoration efforts, and the need for adjustments in management plans. Water sources for restoration projects often contain invasive species. This is especially true for the Mississippi River and coastal water bodies that are subjected to the spread of invasive aquatic organisms that arrive in the ballast waters of international vessels. Organisms such as the zebra mussel have serious impacts on the ecology of receiving waters, especially on native freshwater bivalves found there. Scientists, in collaboration with land managers, have initiated several projects that address invasive species problems in the Gulf of Mexico coastal region. Most of these current projects involve Chinese tallow, nutria, and cogon grass, but there are numerous other species of concern to wetland and coastal managers. Scientists will expand their invasive species studies in the coastal zone and the Lower Mississippi Valley to address the following National Program goals: understanding the pathways of introduction, assessing and reporting the abundance and spread of invasive species, and assessment of the effects of invasive species on ecosystem properties." -Federal laws protect wetlands from being destroyed during development. Builders are required to replace any wetlands they propose to fill in with another equivalent (or better) wetland elsewhere. Suppose a developer fills in a wetland upstream from where you live and relocates it out of the local drainage basin. What would happen to runoff in the stream near your house?