Deck 12: Groundwater and Wetlands

Question 1

When does a cone of depression form?

A) When withdrawal equals recharge.
B) When withdrawal is less than recharge.
C) When withdrawal exceeds recharge.

Answer 1

When withdrawal exceeds recharge.

Question 2

Which condition may result in surface subsidence?

A) Withdrawal equals recharge.
B) Withdrawal is less than recharge.
C) Withdrawal exceeds recharge.

Answer 2

Withdrawal exceeds recharge.

Question 3

The photograph shown below is that of a water well casing in California. When groundwater was withdrawn, the ground surface dropped, leaving part of the well exposed above ground.


-What likely happened to the porosity of the aquifer when this occurred?

A) Porosity probably decreased to compaction.
B) Porosity probably increased due to compaction.
C) Porosity probably did not change.

Answer 3

Porosity probably decreased to compaction.

Question 4

The photograph shown below is that of a water well casing in California. When groundwater was withdrawn, the ground surface dropped, leaving part of the well exposed above ground.


-What likely happened to the permeability of the aquifer when this occurred?

A) Permeability probably decreased to compaction.
B) Permeability probably increased due to compaction.
C) Permeability probably did not change.

Question 5

A groundwater well is pumped for a period of time creating a cone of depression. How will the water table appear several days after pumping stops?

A) Diagram A
B) Diagram B
C) Diagram C

Question 6

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?

A) Point A
B) Point B
C) Point C
D) Point D

Question 7

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?

A) Diagram A
B) Diagram B
C) Diagram C
D) Diagram D

Question 8

A farmer drilled a well into an open aquifer composed of sand and gravel. He installed a septic system downslope from the drinking well (see diagram). A few years later the septic system started to leak. Water tests showed that the well water was clean and uncontaminated by bacteria present in the septic system. Why did the septic system not contaminate the drinking water supply?

A) The bacteria were drowned in the groundwater.
B) The groundwater flow carried water away from the well.
C) Gravel has a low permeability that makes it difficult for bacteria to travel from the septic system to the well.
D) The septic system is not located in the aquifer's recharge zone.

Question 9

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?

A) There are invasive species in wetlands.
B) There are projects to monitor invasive species in wetlands.
C) We need to better understand wetland invasive species.

Question 10

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 Earth system components are most directly involved in this passage?

A) Atmosphere-biosphere
B) Biosphere-hydrosphere
C) Hydrosphere-geosphere
D) Geosphere-exosphere

Question 11

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?

A) Sandstone
B) Gravel
C) Conglomerate

Question 12

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?

A) 50,000 days
B) 5000 days
C) 500 days
D) 50 days

Question 13

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?

A) Gaining stream
B) Losing stream
C) Neither, there is no groundwater in the desert

Question 14

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 condition most accurately describes what is happening in the High Plains Aquifer?

A) Aquifer is being depleted.
B) Aquifer is stable.
C) Aquifer is under-utilized.

Question 15

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?

A) Industrial pollution
B) Human waste disposal
C) Natural chemicals

Question 16

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?

A) Point source
B) Non-point source
C) Neither, fertilizers and approved pesticides are not pollutants

Question 17

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?

A) The plants would be mostly different species than elsewhere.
B) The plants would appear about the same, but less dense.
C) There would be no leafy plants, just moss and algae.

Question 18

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?

A) Wetlands have increased in area.
B) Wetlands have decreased in area.
C) Wetlands have remained about the same.

Question 19

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?

A) Runoff would decrease.
B) Runoff would increase.
C) Runoff would not change.

Question 20

Porosity is the ability of a material to store water.

Question 21

Permeability is a measure of porosity.

Question 22

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

Question 23

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

Question 24

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

Question 25

Most of the water falling as precipitation flows to groundwater.

Question 26

Most of the water falling as precipitation returns to the atmosphere by transpiration and evaporation.

Question 27

Pore spaces in an open aquifer are filled with water below the water table in the zone of saturation.

Question 28

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

Question 29

Specific retention increases with decreasing grain size.

Question 30

An aquifer is the same as an underground river.

Question 31

The elevation of the water table generally follows the topography of the land.

Question 32

Artesian aquifers are those that will not go dry.

Question 33

The water table fluctuates by a few meters annually.

Question 34

Water in the High Plains Aquifer is a renewable resource because it is recharged annually.

Question 35

Water can be safely pumped from a fresh water lens.

Question 36

Wetlands must be covered with water all year.