NAME GROUNDWATER MEGA PACKET 1. The diagram below shows columns A, B, C, and D that contain different sediments. Equal volumes of water were poured through each column. Which column of sediment retained the most water? A) A B) B C) C D) D 2. Which conditions on Earth's surface will allow for the greatest amount of water to seep into the ground? A) gentle slope and permeable B) gentle slope and impermeable C) steep slope and permeable D) steep slope and impermeable 3. Which processes are most likely to cause a rise in the water table? A) runoff and erosion B) precipitation and infiltration C) deposition and burial D) solidification and condensation 4. During a rainstorm, when soil becomes saturated, the amount of infiltration A) decreases and runoff decreases B) decreases and runoff increases C) increases and runoff decreases D) increases and runoff increases 5. Which sediment size would allow water to flow through at the fastest rate? A) clay B) silt C) sand D) pebbles 6. Compared to an area of Earth's surface with gentle slopes, an area with steeper slopes most likely has A) less infiltration and more runoff B) less infiltration and less runoff C) more infiltration and more runoff D) more infiltration and less runoff 7. Which set of surface soil conditions on a hillside would result in the most infiltration of rainfall? A) gentle slope, saturated soil, no vegetation B) gentle slope, unsaturated soil, vegetation C) steep slope, saturated soil, vegetation D) steep slope, unsaturated soil, no vegetation 8. Which surface soil conditions allow the most infiltration of rainwater? A) steep slope and permeable soil B) steep slope and impermeable soil C) gentle slope and permeable soil D) gentle slope and impermeable soil 9. In general, the probability of flooding decreases when there is an increase in the amount of A) precipitation B) infiltration C) runoff D) snow melt
Base your answers to questions 10through 13on the diagram below, which shows a model of the water cycle. Letters A through F represent some processes of the water cycle. Letter X indicates the top of the underground zone that is saturated with water. 10.The processes of transpiration and evaporation are represented by letters A) A and B B) B and E C) C and A D) D and E 11.If the surface soil is saturated and precipitation increases, there will be A) a decrease in the amount of groundwater B) a decrease in the surface elevation of the lake C) an increase in the rate of capillarity D) an increase in the amount of runoff 12.What does letter X represent? A) the water table B) a floodplain C) sea level D) impermeable rock 13.Which process is represented by letter F? A) capillarity B) infiltration C) condensation D) vaporization 14. Through which of the following loose soil materials does water infiltrate fastest? A) clay B) silt C) sand D) pebbles 15. Which type of soil would water infiltrate most slowly? A) silt B) pebbles C) fine sand D) fine clay
16. The columns A, B, C, and D shown below contain equal volumes of sediment. When an equal volume of water is added to each column, the greatest rate of infiltration will occur in which column? A) A B) B C) C D) D 17. The diagrams below show the relative sizes of particles from soil samples A, B, and C. Equal volumes of each soil sample were placed in separate containers. Each container has a screen at the bottom. Water was poured through each sample to determine the infiltration rate. Which graph best shows how the infiltration rates of the three soil samples would compare? A) B) C) D)
18. Which graph best represents the relationship between soil particle size and the rate at which water infiltrates permeable soil? A) 21. The diagrams below represent four permeable sediment samples. The sediments are composed of the same material, but differ in particle size and sorting. Which sediment sample will most likely have the fastest groundwater infiltration rate? A) B) B) C) C) D) D) 19. Which soil condition allows the most infiltration of precipitation? A) saturated soil B) a steep soil surface C) coarse-grained soil D) an impermeable surface 20. Which surface soil type has the slowest permeability rate and is most likely to produce flooding? A) pebbles B) sand C) silt D) clay 22. Which earth material covering the surface of a landfill would permit the least amount of rainwater to infiltrate the surface? A) silt B) clay C) sand D) pebbles 23. Water moves upward through the soil because of A) capillary action B) permeability C) porosity D) infiltration
Base your answers to questions 24 through 28 on the diagram, data and information below. The diagram below represents part of the laboratory setup for an activity to investigate the effects of particle size on permeability, porosity, and water retention. Three separate tubes were used, each containing 300 milliliters of beads of uniform size. Bead sizes were 4 millimeters, 7 millimeters, and 12 millimeters in diameter, respectively. 24. Water can infiltrate loose soil when the soil is A) saturated and permeable B) saturated and permeable C) unsaturated and permeable D) unsaturated and impermeable 25. Soil composed of which kind of particles would have the longest infiltration time? [Assume that all particles allow some water to pass through.] A) pebbles B) sand C) silt D) clay 26. The data table shows that all three tubes of beads had approximately the same A) porosity B) water retention C) permeability time D) capillarity
27. What was the total amount of water retained on the 7-millimeter beads after the tubing was unclamped and the water flowed out? A) 8 ml B) 12 ml C) 22 ml D) 36 ml 28. Which graph best represents the infiltration times for these three particle sizes? A) B) C) D) 29. The diagram below represents zones within soil and rock. The zones are determined by the kinds of movement or lack of movement of water occulting within them. What is the deepest zone into which water can be pulled by gravity? A) aerated zone B) capillary fringe C) saturated zone D) impermeable zone 30. As the temperature of the soil decreases from 10ºC to 5ºC, the infiltration rate of ground water through this soil will most likely A) decrease B) increase C) remain the same 31. Sand sediments are usually more permeable than silt sediments because sand grains are A) larger B) smoother C) rounder D) more soluble 32. Soil composed of which particle size usually has the greatest capillarity? A) silt B) fine sand C) coarse sand D) pebbles 33. The upward movement of water through tiny spaces in soil or rock is called A) water retention B) capillary action C) porosity D) permeability
34. Which property of loose earth materials most likely increases as particle size decreases? A) capillarity B) infiltration C) permeability D) porosity 35. The diagram below is a cross-sectional view of rain falling on a farm field and then moving to the water table. 37. Which graph best represents the relationship between the surface slope of a dry, sandy soil and the infiltration rate of rain? A) B) C) D) Which word best describes the movement of the rainwater through zone A? A) runoff B) saturation C) infiltration D) precipitation 36. Which graph best represents the relationship between soil permeability rate and infiltration when all other conditions are the same? A) B) C) D) 38. Flash flooding often occurs in city areas because A) runoff decreases during precipitation B) ground water storage is usually very large C) roads, pavements, and buildings reduce the infiltration of water into the ground D) the heat generated by city areas decreases actual evapotranspiration 39. Most infiltration of precipitation will occur when the Earth's soil is A) unsaturated and impermeable B) unsaturated and permeable C) saturated and impermeable D) saturated and permeable 40. Why does water move very slowly downward through clay soil? A) Clay soil is composed of low-density minerals. B) Clay soil is composed of very hard particles. C) Clay soil has large pore spaces. D) Clay soil has very small particles. 41. When rain falls on an area of sandy soil, infiltration will usually be greater than surface runoff if the A) soil surface has a steep slope B) soil is saturated C) rate of precipitation is low D) surface is impermeable 42. Rainfall is most likely to infiltrate into soil that is A) permeable and saturated B) permeable and unsaturated C) impermeable and saturated D) impermeable and unsaturated
Base your answers to questions 43 through 45 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of Earth science. The diagram represents setups of laboratory equipment, labeled A, B, C, and D. This equipment was used to test the infiltration rate and water retention of four different particle sizes. Each column was filled to the same level with uniform-sized dry, spherical particles. Water was poured into each column until the water level rose to the top of the particles. Then, the clamp was opened to allow the water to drain into the beaker beneath each column. 43. Which column of particles retained the most water after the clamps were opened and the water was drained into the beakers? A) A B) B C) C D) D 44. Which graph best shows the rate of infiltration of water through the particles in these four columns? A) B) C) D) 45. All of the particles in these four columns are classified as A) clay B) silt C) sand D) pebbles
46. The diagram below represents the setup for an experiment for studying groundwater. Tubes A, B, C, and D contain equal volumes of sediments. Within each tube, the sediments are uniform in size, shape, and packing. A test for water retention was conducted by first filling each tube with water and then draining the water into beakers. Which graph represents the general relationship between the sediment size and the amount of water retained by the sediments after the tubes had drained? A) B) C) D) 47. Water can pass through a sandstone sample because the sample is A) permeable B) organic in origin C) composed of pebble-sized particles D) well compacted and cemented 48. Immediately after a moderate rainfall, the stream discharge is greater from a stream that drains a clay soil area than from a stream that drains a sand-and-gravel soil area. This discharge differs because the clay soil is A) less porous, and allows less runoff B) more porous, and allows more runoff C) less permeable, and allows more runoff D) more permeable, and allows less runoff 49. The diagrams below represent two containers, each filled with a sample of nonporous particles of uniform size. Compared to the sample of larger particles, the sample of smaller particles has A) lower permeability B) higher permeability C) less porosity D) more porosity
50. The diagram below shows an experimental setup to compare water retention and permeability in two columns with equal volumes of spherical plastic beads of different diameters. Which statement best describes the water retention and permeability in the two columns of beads? A) The column with 4-mm beads has greater water retention and permeability. B) The column with 12-mm beads has greater water retention and permeability. C) The column with 4-mm beads has greater water retention and the column with 12-mm beads has greater permeability. D) The column with 12-mm beads has greater water retention and the column with 4-mm beads has greater permeability. 51. Base your answer to the following question on the water cycle diagram shown below. Some arrows are numbered 1 through 4 and represent various processes. For infiltration to occur, the ground must be A) permeable and saturated B) permeable and not saturated C) impermeable and saturated D) impermeable and not saturated
Base your answers to questions 52 through 54 on the diagram below, which shows four tubes containing 500 milliliters of sediment labeled A, B, C, and D. Each tube contains well-sorted, loosely packed particles of uniform shape and size and is open at the top. The classification of the sediment in each tube is labeled. 52. Water was poured into each tube of sediment and the time it took for the water to infiltrate to the bottom was recorded, in seconds. Which data table best represents the recorded results? A) B) C) D) 53. Water will be able to infiltrate each of these sediment samples if the sediment is A) saturated and impermeable B) saturated and permeable C) unsaturated and impermeable D) unsaturated and permeable 54. Each tube is filled with water to the top of the sediments and the tube is covered with a fine screen. The tubes are then tipped upside down so the water can drain. In which tube would the sediment retain the most water? A) A B) B C) C D) D
55. Base your answer to the following question on the bedrock cross section below, which represents part of Earth's crust where natural gas, oil, and water have moved upward through a layer of folded sandstone and filled the pore spaces at the top of the sandstone layer. The natural gas, oil, and water are trapped within the top of the sandstone and do not move upward through the shale because, compared to the sandstone, the shale has A) lower permeability B) less foliation C) larger pore spaces D) larger particles 56. During a heavy rainstorm, soil samples A and B both became saturated with water. However, 10 minutes after the storm ended, the soils appeared as shown below. 57. As surface runoff in a region increases, stream discharge in that region will usually A) decrease B) increase C) remain the same 58. The diagram below represents zones within soil and rock. The zones are determined by the kinds of movement or lack of movement of water occurring within them. Which statement best explains the observed change in the water content of the soil samples? A) The permeability of B is greater than the permeability of A. B) The porosity of B is greater than the porosity of A. C) The capillarity of B is greater than the capillarity of A. D) The surface runoff at B is greater than the surface runoff at A. What is the deepest zone into which water can be pulled by gravity? A) aerated zone B) capillary fringe C) saturated zone D) impermeable zone
59. Which graph best represents the general relationship between soil particle size and the permeability rate of infiltrating rainwater? A) Base your answers to questions 61 and 62 on the diagrams below, which show two soil cross sections from adjacent fields in Nebraska. Both soils are the same except that human activities have removed the vegetation from the surface of field B. Each field has been receiving rain for several hours. B) C) D) 60. Which diagram represents the soil with the greatest permeability? 61. Which change would most likely result from replanting vegetation in field B? A) Transpiration would decrease. B) Runoff would increase. C) Erosion would increase. D) Water infiltration would increase. 62. The soils in field B would have a higher rate of permeability if the soils A) had lower porosity B) had a steeper surface slope C) were composed of larger rock particles D) were compacted by machinery traveling over the field 63. The graph below represents soil permeability. A) B) C) D) As particle size increases, permeability A) decreases B) increases C) remains the same
64. Base your answer to the following question on the diagram below and on your knowledge of Earth science. The diagram represents four tubes, labeled A, B, C, and D, each containing 150 ml of sediments. Tubes A, B, and C contain well-sorted, closely packed sediments of uniform shape and size. Tube D contains uniformly shaped, closely packed sediments of mixed sizes. The particle size of the sediment in each tube is labeled. If tubes A, B, and C were set up to test for capillarity, the data would show that capillarity is A) greatest in tube A B) greatest in tube B C) greatest in tube C D) the same for tubes A, B, and C 65. The diagrams below represent two identical containers filled with nonporous uniform particles. The containers represent models of two different sizes of soil particles. 68. The diagram below shows two identical containers filled with uniform particles that were sorted by size. Compared to the model containing larger particles, the model containing smaller particles has A) less permeability and greater porosity B) greater porosity and greater capillarity C) less permeability and greater capillarity D) greater permeability and greater porosity 66. Which soil characteristic allows greater amounts of water retention? A) large-size particles B) small-size particles C) high-density particles D) low-density particles 67. Soil with the greatest porosity has particles that are A) poorly sorted and densely packed B) poorly sorted and loosely packed C) well sorted and densely packed D) well sorted and loosely packed Which characteristic is most likely the same for these particle-filled containers? A) infiltration rate B) water retention C) capillarity D) porosity 69. A soil sample with a large amount of space between the particles will have a A) low permeability rate B) low infiltration rate C) high porosity D) high capillarity 70. Stream discharge would normally be highest during a period of A) recharge B) deficit C) usage D) surplus
71. The diagram below represents cross sections of equal-size beakers A, B, and C filled with beads. Which statement best compares the porosity in the three beakers? A) Beaker A and beaker B have the same porosity, and beaker C has the least porosity. B) Beaker A and beaker B have the same porosity, and beaker C has the greatest porosity. C) Beaker B has the greatest porosity, beaker A has less porosity, and beaker C has the least porosity. D) Beaker C has the greatest porosity, beaker B has less porosity, and beaker A has the least porosity. 72. Which graph best indicates the general relationship between soil particle size and the amount of water retention by a permeable soil? A) B) C) D) 73. The cross sections below represent three beakers that were used to test porosity. Beakers A, B, and C each contain a different size of bead. Each beaker holds an equal volume of beads. The amount of water needed to fill the total pore space between the beads in each beaker was measured. Which statement best describes the porosity that was found for these three samples? A) A had a greater porosity than B and C. B) B had a greater porosity than A and C. C) C had a greater porosity than A and B. D) All three samples had the same porosity.
74. The diagram below represents three identical beakers, A, B, and C, each containing an equal volume of uniform-sized spherical beads. Water is poured into each beaker until all of the pore spaces are filled. Which table best indicates the percentage of pore space compared to the total volume of each beaker? A) B) C) D) 75. If a rock is compressed and its volume decreases, how will the rock's density and porosity be affected? A) Density and porosity will both decrease. B) Density and porosity will both increase. C) Density will decrease and porosity will increase. D) Density will increase and porosity will decrease. 76. Which graph best represents the relationship between porosity and particle size for soil samples of uniform size, shape, and packing? A) B) C) D) 77. Base your answer to the following question on the diagrams below, which represent cross sections of four samples of loosely packed, uniformly sorted soil particles. The diameter of the particles is given below each diagram. All soil samples consist of solid spherical particles. If equal amounts of 0.2-centimeter soil particles are mixed into each sample, which sample's porosity will not be affected? A) A B) B C) C D) D 78. Which soil-property measurement usually is greater when particles are fine than when particles are coarse? A) infiltration B) capillarity C) porosity D) permeability rate
79. The diagram below represents three identical beakers filled to the same level with spherical beads. If the packing of the beads within each beaker is the same, which graph best represents the porosity within each beaker? A) B) C) D) 80. Which is most important in determining the amount of ground water that can be stored within a rock? A) the rock's geologic age B) the rock's hardness C) the rock's porosity D) the rock's color 81. A rock with a high porosity will probably A) be resistant to weathering B) be composed of large grains C) have a large percentage of space between particles D) have a small percentage of rounded particles 82. A soil sample with a high percentage of open space between grains must A) have low permeability B) have mixed grain sizes C) be porous D) show a high amount of capillarity 83. In which sediments is the capillary action of water greatest? A) silt and sand B) sand and pebbles C) pebbles and cobbles D) cobbles and boulders
84. The diagrams below represent three containers, A, B, and C, which were filled with equal volumes of uniformly sorted plastic beads. Water was poured into each container to determine porosity and infiltration time. Which data table best represents the porosity and infiltration time of the beads in the three containers? A) B) C) D) 85. A paved blacktop parking lot was built on what was once a soil-covered field. This area will now experience increased runoff when rain occurs because the paved parking lot has A) less capillarity B) less permeability C) greater infiltration D) greater porosity 86. The least amount of surface water runoff will occur when soil pore spaces are A) saturated and the slope is steep B) saturated and the slope is gentle C) unsaturated and the slope is steep D) unsaturated and the slope is gentle
87. The diagram below shows tubes A and B partly filled with equal volumes of round plastic beads of uniform size. The beads in tube A are smaller than the beads in tube B. Water was placed in tube A until the pore spaces were filled. The drain valve was then opened, and the amount of time for the water to drain from the tube was recorded. The amount of water that remained around the beads was then calculated and recorded. Data table 1 shows the measurements recorded using tube A. If the same procedure was followed with tube B, which data table shows the measurements most likely recorded?
A) B) C) D) Base your answers to questions 88 and 89 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of Earth science. The diagram represents four tubes, labeled A, B, C, and D, each containing 150 ml of sediments. Tubes A, B, and C contain well~sorted, closely packed sediments of uniform shape and size. Tube D contains uniformly shaped, closely packed sediments of mixed sizes. The particle size of the sediment in each tube is labeled. 88. If tubes A, B, and C were set up to test for capillarity, the data would show that capillarity is A) greatest in tube A B) greatest in tube B C) greatest in tube C D) the same for tubes A, B, and C
89. Water was added to each tube to just cover the sediments and the volumes of water added were recorded. These data can best be used to determine the A) particle size of the sediments B) particle shape of the sediments C) water retention of the sediments D) porosity of the sediments 90. A student performed a laboratory activity in which water was poured slowly into four cups containing equal volumes of loosely packed sediment samples, as shown in the diagram below. All particles were spherical in shape and uniform in size within a container. After the water level reached the surface of each sample, the student determined the amount of water that had been added. The results of the activity should have indicated that approximately equal amounts of water were added to the cups of A) silt and pebbles, only B) sand, silt, and pebbles, only C) pebbles and the mixture, only D) sand, pebbles, and the mixture, only 91. Which graph shows the general relationship between soil particle size and the capillarity of the soil? A) B) C) D)
92. The diagram below shows three identical plastic tubes filled to the same level with spherical beads of different diameters. Each tube was filled with water to the top of the beads. The clamps were then opened to allow water to drain into the beakers. Which graph best represents the relative amount of water retained by the beads in each tube? A) B) C) D) 93. After a heavy rainstorm, vegetation on a hillslope was completely removed. How will this removal of vegetation affect the relative amounts of infiltration and runoff that occur during the next heavy rainstorm? A) Infiltration and runoff will both be less. B) Infiltration and runoff will both be greater. C) Infiltration will be less and runoff will be greater. D) Infiltration will be greater and runoff will be less. 94. During a heavy rainstorm, runoff is most likely to occur if the surface soil is A) firmly packed clay-sized particles B) loosely packed sand-sized particles C) covered by trees, shrubs, and grasses D) unsaturated and has a gentle slope
95. The diagram below shows a laboratory setup. The rubber band holds filter paper across the base of the open tube to hold the soil sample. The tube was placed in the water as shown. The upward movement of water is represented by arrows. The height of the water that moved upward within the soil was measured. Students repeated this procedure using soils with different particle sizes. Results of the experiment are shown in the data table. Results of this experiment lead to the conclusion that A) capillarity is greater in soils with larger particles B) capillarity is greater in soils with smaller particles C) permeability is greater in soils with larger particles D) permeability is greater in soils with smaller particles 96. Which graph best represents the relationship between the particle size and the capillarity of a sample of soil? A) B) C) D) 97. Which soil conditions normally result in the greatest amount of runoff? A) low permeability and gentle slope B) low permeability and steep slope C) high permeability and gentle slope D) high permeability and steep slope 98. When rainfall occurs, the rainwater will most likely become surface runoff if the land surface is A) sandy B) impermeable C) covered with grass D) nearly flat
99. Photographs A and B below show two different valleys. Which list best identifies the agent of erosion that primarily determined the shape of each valley? A) photograph A glacier; photograph B river B) photograph A river; photograph B glacier C) both photographs river D) both photographs glacier 100.The diagram below shows the result of leaving an empty, dry clay flowerpot in a full container of water for a period of time. The water level in the container dropped to level A. The top of the wet area moved to level B. Level B is higher than level A because water A) is less dense than the clay pot B) is more dense than the clay pot C) traveled upward in the clay pot by capillary action D) traveled downward in the clay pot by capillary action 101. Which set of conditions would produce the most runoff of precipitation? A) gentle slope and permeable surface B) gentle slope and impermeable surface C) steep slope and permeable surface D) steep slope and impermeable surface 102. During a rainfall, surface runoff will probably be greatest in an area that has a A) steep slope and a clay-covered surface B) steep slope and a gravel-covered surface C) gentle slope and a grass-covered surface D) gentle slope and a tree-covered surface 103. Which condition would cause surface runoff to increase in a particular location? A) covering a dirt road with pavement B) reducing the gradient of a steep hill C) planting grasses and shrubs on a hillside D) having a decrease in the annual rainfall 104. Which condition makes surface runoff of rainfall most likely? A) The gradient of the surface is low. B) Permeability rate exceeds the rate of rainfall. C) Surface soil pore spaces are filled. D) The porosity of the surface soil is high.
Base your answers to questions 105through 107on the diagram below. Columns A, B, C, and D are partially filled with different sediments. Within each column, the sediment is uniform in size. A fine wire mesh screen covers the bottom of each column to prevent the sediment from falling out. The lower part of each column has just been placed in a beaker of water. Sediment sizes are not drawn to scale. 105.In an experiment, the beakers of water were removed and replaced with empty beakers. The sediments were allowed to dry. Then water was poured into each column to compare the permeability of the sediments. The permeability rate of the medium sand sample was shown to be A) less than the silt and pebble samples B) less than the silt sample but more than the pebble sample C) greater than the silt sample but less than the pebble sample D) greater than the silt and pebble samples 106.Which column contains sediment with an average diameter closest to 0.1 centimeter? A) A B) B C) C D) D 107.In which sediment will capillary action cause the water from the beaker to rise fastest in the column? A) small pebbles B) large sand C) medium sand D) large silt 108. Which graph shows the effect of soil permeability on the amount of runoff in an area? A) B) C) D) 109. Which soil condition usually exists when flooding occurs during a rainstorm? A) The soil is unsaturated. B) Soil water storage is equal to zero. C) Soil infiltration is less than surface runoff. D) Soil permeability is equal to the rate of pre cipitation. 110. Which conditions produce the most surface water runoff? A) steep slope, heavy rain, and frozen ground B) steep slope, gentle rain, and unfrozen ground C) gentle slope, heavy rain, and frozen ground D) gentle slope, gentle rain, and unfrozen ground
Base your answers to questions 111through 114on the diagram below, which represents samples of soil and bedrock at Earth's surface. The arrows represent possible infiltration of rainwater. 112.Zones within soil and rock are classified by the water movement occurring in the zones. Which diagram best represents the most common arrangement of these zones? A) B) C) D) 111.The least amount of rainwater will infiltrate the surface of the A) pebble soil B) pebble-and-sand soil C) conglomerate bedrock D) granite bedrock 113.Which sample probably has the greatest porosity? A) pebble soil B) pebble-and-sand soil C) conglomerate bedrock D) granite bedrock 114.The pebble-and-sand soil has greater capillarity than the pebble soil because the pebble and sand soil A) is weathering more rapidly B) is more loosely packed C) has smaller pore spaces D) has less surface area
115. The block diagram below shows a volcano. GROUNDWATER MEGA PACKET Which map shows the stream drainage pattern that most likely formed on the surface of this volcano? A) B) C) D) 116. The cross section below represents a forested area in Vermont. During heavy rainfall, the greatest amount of runoff should occur in which two sections of the forest? A) A and B B) B and D C) C and E D) D and E 117. When the soil is saturated in a gently sloping area, any additional rainfall in the area will most likely A) become ground water B) become surface runoff C) cause a moisture deficit D) cause a higher potential evapotranspiration 118. Apartment buildings and parking lots completely cover an area that was once an open, grass covered field. What factor most likely increased because of this construction? A) capillarity B) runoff C) infiltration into the ground D) the level of the local water table 119. Flash flooding is most likely to occur when heavy rain falls on A) deforested landscapes with clay soils B) deforested landscapes with sandy soils C) forested landscapes with clay soils D) forested landscapes with sandy soils
120. The topographic map below shows the largest island of the Hawaiian Islands. Which map below best shows the most likely stream drainage pattern of this island? A) B) C) D)
121. The block diagram below shows a portion of Earth's crust. Which stream drainage pattern is most likely present on this crustal surface? A) B) C) D) Base your answers to questions 122 and 123 on the diagram of the water cycle below. Letter A represents a process in the water cycle. Points X and Y represent locations on Earth's surface. 122. The amount of runoff at Y will increase as the A) slope of the land decreases B) porosity of the soil increases C) evaporation rate exceeds the infiltration rate D) precipitation rate exceeds the infiltration rate
123. Rainwater will enter the ground at X if the ground is A) saturated and permeable B) saturated and impermeable C) unsaturated and permeable D) unsaturated and impermeable 124. Which graph best represents the relationship between surface-water runoff and stream discharge? A) B) C) D) 125. When snow cover on the land melts, the water will most likely become surface runoff if the land surface is A) frozen B) porous C) grass covered D) unconsolidated gravel
Base your answers to questions 126 through 129 on the diagrams below, which represent 500-milliliter containers that are open at the top and the bottom and filled with well-sorted, loosely packed particles of uniform size. A piece of screening placed at the bottom of each container prevents the particles from falling out. 128. The sample in which container would have the greatest capillarity when placed in water? A) A B) B C) C D) D 129. Assume that the samples in each container were taken from surface soil in different locations. Which location would produce the least amount of runoff during a heavy rainfall? A) A B) B C) C D) D 130. Which statement best explains why a desert often forms on the leeward side of a mountain range, as shown in the diagram below? 126. The sample in which container would retain the most water on the particles after 500 milliliters of water is poured through the sample? A) A B) B C) C D) D 127. Which graph best represents the rate of permeability of the samples? A) B) C) D) A) Sinking air compresses and warms. B) Sinking air expands and warms. C) Rising air compresses and warms. D) Rising air expands and warms. 131. High concentrations of anaerobic bacteria (biologic water pollutants) are often caused by a decrease in the A) temperature of ground water B) growth of aerobic bacteria in the water C) amount of organic wastes in the water D) amount of oxygen dissolved in the water 132. If wastewater from a nuclear power plant raises the temperature of a nearby body of water, the concentration of biologic pollutants in the water will most likely A) decrease B) increase C) remain the same 133. A landfill is most likely to directly pollute A) water vapor over the landfill B) precipitation about to fall on the landfill C) surface streams flowing to the landfill D) ground water under the landfill
Base your answers to questions 134 and 135 on the diagram and field map below. The diagram shows an underground gasoline storage tank at a service station that is leaking gasoline into the soil. Ground-water monitoring wells were drilled to show the pattern of the leakage. The concentration of gasoline, in parts per million, at each well is indicated on the field map. 134. Leaking gasoline is most likely to seep into soil that is A) permeable and saturated B) permeable and unsaturated C) impermeable and saturated D) impermeable and unsaturated 135. The gasoline that leaked from the underground tank is considered a pollutant because the gasoline A) floats on the water table B) destroys nonliving organic substances C) reacts chemically with minerals in the soil D) harms living things 136. The direct cause of ground water supplies becoming unfit for human use is usually A) an uncontrollable moisture deficit B) contamination of the saturated zone C) excessive surface runoff D) very heavy precipitation 137. What is the main reason that a high concentration of aerobic bacteria is harmful to a lake? A) The bacteria release large amounts of oxygen. B) The bacteria use up large amounts of oxygen. C) The bacteria cause excessive cooling of the water. D) The bacteria provide food for predators. 138. How will the quality of the environment most likely be affected by the continued dumping of large amounts of industrial waste into a river? A) The environment will be unaffected. B) Minor, temporary disruptions will occur only near the industrial plant. C) Major damage could occur downstream from the industrial plant. D) The environment will always adjust favorably to any changes caused by industrial waste.
139. Base your answer to the following question on the diagram and field map below. The diagram shows an underground gasoline storage tank at a service station that is leaking gasoline into the soil. Ground-water monitoring wells were drilled to show the pattern of the leakage. The concentration of gasoline, in parts per million, at each well is indicated on the field map. Which statement best describes the pollution field's size and concentration measurement if the gasoline continues to leak out of the tank? A) The size of the pollution field will decrease, and the concentration measurement will decrease. B) The size of the pollution field will decrease, and the concentration measurement will increase C) The size of the pollution field will increase, and the concentration measurement will decrease. D) The size of the pollution field will increase, and the concentration measurement will increase. 140. Samples of air collected from the region surrounding a large city were tested for pollutants. Which graph below best shows the probable relationship between air pollution and distance from the city? A) B) 141. Which graph best illustrates the relationship between lake water pollution and human population density near the lake? A) B) C) D) C) D)
142. The maps show changes occurring around a small Louisiana lake over a 30-year period. 143. According to the diagram below, at which location would the water probably be most polluted? Which graph best shows the probable changes in the quality of ground water and lake water in this region as the changes indicated in the maps took place from 1967 to 1997? (Use the key above.) A) B) C) D) A) A B) B C) C D) D 144. During a dry summer, the flow of most large New York State streams generally A) continues because some groundwater seeps into the streams B) increases due to greater surface runoff C) remains unchanged due to transpiration from grasses, shrubs, and trees D) stops completely because no water runs off into the streams 145. Why would a stream in South Carolina have a lower stream discharge in late summer than in spring? A) Potential evapotranspiration is less in late summer than in spring. B) Plants carry on more transpiration in spring than in late summer. C) The local water budget shows a surplus in late summer. D) The local water budget shows a deficit in late summer.
146. Base your answer to the following question on the diagram below. The arrows show the direction in which sediment is being transported along the shoreline. A barrier beach has formed, creating a lagoon (a shallow body of water in which sediments are being deposited). The eroded headlands are composed of diorite bedrock. A groin has recently been constructed. Groins are wall-like structures built into the water perpendicular to the shoreline to trap beach sand. Which event will most likely occur during a heavy rainfall? A) Less sediment will be carried by the streams. B) An increase in sea level will cause more sediments to be deposited along the shoreline. C) The shoreline will experience a greater range in tides. D) The discharge from the streams into the lagoon will increase. 147. The photograph below shows a sign near the Esopus Creek in Kingston, New York. The main purpose of the word "watershed" on this sign is to communicate that the Esopus Creek A) is a tributary of the Hudson River B) is a flood hazard where it flows into the Hudson River C) forms a delta in the Hudson River D) contains ancient fish fossils
Base your answers to questions 148 and 149 on the cross section below, which represents part of Earth's water cycle. Letters A, B, C, and D represent processes that occur during the cycle. The level of the water table and the extent of the zone of saturation are shown. 148. What are two water cycle processes not represented by arrows in this cross section? A) transpiration and condensation B) evaporation and melting C) precipitation and freezing D) runoff and infiltration 149. Which two letters represent processes in the water cycle that usually cause a lowering of the water table? A) A and B B) A and C C) B and D D) C and D 150. During a 3-week period without rain in June, water continued to flow in a small Maryland stream. The water in the stream most likely came from A) the roots of trees along the stream bank B) evapotranspiration in a region far away and unaffected by the dry period C) ground water flowing into the streambed D) condensation on the surface of rocks in the stream 151. Why do many streams continue to flow during long periods when there is no precipitation? A) Soil moisture storage is recharged by vegetation along the streams. B) Ground water continues to move into the stream channels. C) An increase in potential evapotranspiration increases the stream runoff. D) The porosity beneath the stream channels becomes higher than normal. 152. The water table usually rises when there is A) a decrease in the amount of infiltration B) a decrease in the amount of surface area covered by vegetation C) an increase in the amount of precipitation D) an increase in the slope of the land 153. Which climate conditions are typical of regions near the North Pole and the South Pole? A) low temperature and low precipitation B) low temperature and high precipitation C) high temperature and low precipitation D) high temperature and high precipitation 154. An area with a high potential for evapotranspiration has little actual evapotranspiration and precipitation. The climate of this area is best described as A) hot and arid B) hot and humid C) cold and arid D) cold and humid
Base your answers to questions 155 and 156 on the two graphs below, which show the relationship between the amount of rainfall during a storm and the amount of discharge into a nearby stream. Letter A represents the time when approximately 50% of the precipitation from the storm has fallen. Letter B represents the time when peak runoff from the storm is flowing into the stream. The delay is the difference in time between letters A and B on the graph. Graph I shows data before urbanization in an area. Graph II shows data after urbanization in the same area. 155. How did urbanization affect delay time between points A and B and the maximum stream discharge? A) The delay time decreased, and the maximum discharge decreased. B) The delay time decreased, and the maximum discharge increased. C) The delay time increased, and the maximum discharge decreased. D) The delay time increased, and the maximum discharge increased. 156. The delay time between points A and B on both graphs is due mainly to the time needed for A) groundwater to evaporate B) precipitation water to move into the streams C) green plants to absorb precipitation D) rainfall rate to decrease Base your answers to questions 157 through 159 on the data table below and on your knowledge of Earth science. The data table shows the average monthly discharge, in cubic feet per second, for a stream in New York State. 157. Explain one possible reason why this stream s discharge in April is usually greater than this stream s discharge in January. 158. State the relationship between this stream s discharge and the amount of suspended sediment that can be carried by this stream.
159. On the grid below, plot with an X the average stream discharge for each month shown in the data table. Connect the X s with a line. 160. The table below shows the relationship between total yearly precipitation (P) and potential evapotranspiration (EP) for different types of climates. The total yearly precipitation (P) for a city in Texas is 218 millimeters. The total yearly potential evapotranspiration (EP) is 951 millimeters. Which type of climate does this city have? A) humid B) subhumid C) semiarid D) arid 161. Two locations, one in northern Canada and one in the southwestern United States, receive the same amount of precipitation each year. The location in Canada is classified as a humid climate. Why would the location in the United States be classified as an arid climate? A) The yearly distribution of precipitation is different. B) The soil-moisture storage in the southwestern United States is more than that in northern Canada. C) The potential evapotranspiration is greater in the southwestern United States than in northern Canada. D) The vegetation of the southwestern United States is different from that of northern Canada.
162. The data table below shows the stream discharge in April for a creek in the southern United States for a period of 8 days. Which graph most accurately shows stream discharge for the 8-day period? A) B) C) D)
Base your answers to questions 163 through 166 on the three diagrams below and on your knowledge of Earth science. The diagrams represent stages in the formation of a large depositional feature formed as a river deposited sediment over time in the ocean. Letter A represents a location in the ocean. 163. Large amounts of dissolved calcite were carried by the river into the ocean and precipitated onto the ocean floor. Identify the sedimentary rock composed only of calcite that most likely formed. 164. Identify the largest particle diameter of sediment that can be carried by the water current at location A, if the water has a velocity of 0.05 cm/s. 165. Describe the arrangement of the sediments deposited where the river enters the ocean. 166. State the name of this large depositional feature forming in the ocean.
Base your answers to questions 167 and 168 on the diagram below, which shows some processes in the water cycle. 167. Describe one change that would cause more water to evaporate from this stream. 168. State the relationship between the amount of precipitation in this area and the height of the water table above the impermeable bedrock.
Base your answers to questions 169 through 171 on the cross section below, which shows water flowing out of a well drilled through tilted sedimentary bedrock. Point A represents a location on Earth's surface. 169. Explain why point A would be a poor location for a garbage dump or landfill. 170. Identify one process that causes the clouds to form in the rising moist air. 171. Describe one characteristic of the sandstone layer that allowed part of this layer to become saturated with groundwater.
Base your answers to questions 172 through 176 on cross section below, which shows the general pattern of water movement in the water cycle. Letter X represents a water-cycle process. 172. As the lake surface freezes in the winter, how many calories of heat are released by each gram of water? 173. Explain one role of plants in the water cycle. 174. Describe one surface condition that would allow runoff to occur. 175. Describe the process of condensation. 176. What process of the water cycle is represented by X?
177. Base your answer to the following question on the graph below, which shows the rate of rainfall during a storm and the stream discharge of a nearby stream on July 19. GROUNDWATER MEGA PACKET Why does stream discharge usually not become zero even during extended dry periods? A) Ground water continues to flow into the stream. B) Surface runoff increases. C) The potential evapotranspiration increases. D) The porosity beneath the stream becomes higher than usual.
Base your answers to questions 178 through 180 on the water budget data and climate classification below. Table 1 shows water budget data for a location in New Jersey, and table 2 describes climate types. All data are expressed in millimeters of water. 178. Stream discharge at this location would probably be lowest during A) April B) May C) August D) November 179. According to the information provided in table 2, the area represented by the water budget data would have a climate classified as A) humid B) subhumid C) semiarid D) arid 180. What is the total amount of moisture added to soil storage during October? A) 0 mm B) 30 mm C) 46 mm D) 76 mm
Base your answers to questions 181 through 183 on on the diagram below, which shows laboratory materials used for an investigation of the effects of sediment size on permeability, porosity, and water retention. Four separate columns, labeled A through D, were filled to the same level with different sediments. The sediments within each column are of uniform size. 181. An equal amount of water is poured through each column. On the grid, draw a line to show the relative amount of water retained in the sediment after the water flows through each column. 182. Describe the relationship between the sediment size and the permeability that will be observed when water is poured through these sediments. 183. Which column contains particles with a diameter of 0.4 cm?
Base your answers to questions 184 through 186 on the diagram below, which shows Earth's water cycle. Numbers indicate the estimated volume of water, in millions of cubic kilometers, stored at any one time in the atmosphere, the oceans, and on the continents. The yearly amount of water that moves in and out of each of these three of Earth is also indicated in millions of cubic kilometers. 184. Describe two surface characteristics that will affect the rate of stream runoff into the ocean. 185. Explain why the yearly total precipitation over the oceans is greater than the yearly total precipitation over the continents. 186. Calculate the total amount of water stored in the atmosphere, the oceans, and on the continents together at any one time.
Base your answers to questions 187 through 189 on the cross section below, which shows limestone bedrock with caves. 187. Identify one source of pollution caused by human activity that contributes to the precipitation becoming more acidic. 188. The precipitation in this area is becoming more acidic. Explain why acid rain weathers limestone bedrock. 189. In the empty box on the left side of the cross section above, draw a horizontal line to indicate the level of the water table.
190. The diagram below shows a model of the water cycle. The arrows show the movement of water molecules through the water cycle. The circled numbers represent the processes that occur as the water molecules reach the different stages of the water cycle. Complete the table by identifying the name of the water cycle process occurring at each number.