The movement of water throughout the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere is known as the
hydroflux.
capillary movement.
water flow.
hydrologic cycle.
biogeochemical cycle.
hydrologic cycle
Which of the following best describing hydrogen bonding in water?
-The positive hydrogen side of a water molecule attracts the negative oxygen side.
-Water molecules experience a strong gravitational attraction to one another.
-Nuclear fusion occurs betwe
The positive hydrogen side of a water molecule attracts the negative oxygen side.
What is relative humidity?
-the amount of water vapor in the air per kilogram of air
-the share of air pressure that is made up of water vapor molecules at a given temperature
-the amount of water vapor in the air compared with the maximum amount of water
the amount of water vapor in the air compared with the maximum amount of water vapor possible in the air body
When water evaporates, it ________ heat energy and ________ the surrounding air.
-absorbs heats
-absorbs; cools
-releases; cools
-absorbs; has no impact on
-releases; heats
absorbs; cools
Which of the following is used to measure humidity?
-hair hygrometer
-thermometer
-aneroid barometer
-anemometer
-weather vane
hair hygrometer
If the amount of water vapor in the air remained constant, but the air temperature increased throughout the day, the relative humidity would
-increase.
-decrease.
-remain constant.
-change in a random, unpredictable manner.
-Air temperature has no effect
decrease.
An air parcel is considered unstable when it
-resists displacement upward.
-continues to rise until it reaches an altitude at which the surrounding air has a similar temperature.
-either remains as it is, or changes its initial position.
-ceases to ascend
continues to rise until it reaches an altitude at which the surrounding air has a similar temperature.
If you visited Mount Shasta City (elevation 900 m [3000 ft.]) and found the outside air temperature to be 27�C (81�F), what would be the air temperature at the summit of Mount Shasta (elevation 4200 m [14,000 ft.]) at that moment-assuming that the tempera
5.9�C (42.5�F)
When stable air is forced to lift as it passes over a mountain range, the air may become saturated and condensation may occur. In this case, the air is
-unstable.
-conditionally stable.
-moderately stable.
-stable.
-conditionally unstable.
conditionally unstable.
Which of the following cloud type is associated with rain?
-stratocumulus
-cirrus
-lenticular
-cumulonimbus
-cirrostratus
cumulonimbus
The primary mechanisms to form precipitation are the
-collision-coalescence and Bergeron processes.
-Findeisen and Wegener processes.
-Bergeron and Wegener processes.
-collision-coalescence process only.
-Bergeron process only.
collision-coalescence and Bergeron processes.
The precipitation in form of liquid water droplets that forms by condensation or by melting ice crystals as they pass through a warm layer of the atmosphere is
-rain.
-hail.
-frost.
-snow.
-sleet.
rain
A thunderstorm is associated with ________ clouds.
-lenticular
-stratocumulus
-cirrostratus
-cumulonimbus
-altostratus
cumulonimbus
The difference between the dry adiabatic rate and the moist adiabatic rate is on account of
-buoyance of a parcel of air.
-the latent heat of condensation.
-the specific heat of water.
-altitudinal temperature differences.
-less atmospheric pressure.
the latent heat of condensation.
After a warm front passes, the temperature ________ and the pressure ________ (relative to the conditions that existed prior to the passage of the front).
-decreases; decreases
-increases; increases
-increases; decreases
-remains unchanged; decreases
-dec
increases; decreases
Climate is
-a reference to temperature patterns only.
-the weather of a region at a given time.
-the short-term condition of the atmosphere.
-the long-term average atmospheric condition, including extremes that may occur.
-a classification to describe the
the long-term average atmospheric condition, including extremes that may occur.
Weather is
-a classification to describe the average temperature and precipitation of an area.
-the long-term atmospheric condition, including extremes that may occur.
-the short-term condition of the atmosphere.
-a reference to temperature patterns only.
the short-term condition of the atmosphere.
Part complete
Air rising forcibly lifted upslope when it meets a topographic barrier such as a mountain is an example of ________ lifting.
-convergent
-advective
-convectional
-frontal
-orographic
orographic
The dry leeward side of a mountain is often termed a(n)
-rain shadow.
-chinook.
-orogeny.
-front.
-straight line.
rain shadow.
Air displacement at a zone of discontinuity between two air masses of different temperature, pressure, humidity, wind speed and direction, and cloud development is an example of ________ lifting.
-frontal
-orographic
-convergent
-radiative
-convectional
frontal
The severity of storm activity along a cold front is ________ that along most warm fronts because the rate of uplift is ________ along a cold front.
-greater than; faster
-greater than; slower
-less than; faster
-less than; slower
-equal to; equal
greater than; faster
Part complete
All of the following except ________ are typically used in weather forecasting and weather map preparation.
-wind speed and direction
-natural vegetation
-barometric pressure
-precipitation
-surface air temperature
natural vegetation
Severe thunderstorms can produce strong downdrafts that cause exceptionally strong winds near the ground. This turbulence is known as
-downbursts.
-Chinook winds.
-derechos.
-f�hn
-updrafts.
downbursts.
Part complete
Ice storms occur when which of the following conditions prevail?
-A cold front pushes warm, moist air to the freezing level in a cloud.
-A layer of warm air is between two layers of cold air.
-Extremely cold temperatures at high latitudes an
A layer of warm air is between two layers of cold air.
Which of the following is true of tornadoes in the United States?
-They develop within cP air masses.
-They are most common west of the Rocky Mountains.
-They occur in every month except March and April.
-The peak month is November.
-The peak month is May
The peak month is May.
The Saffir-Simpson scale estimates potential property damage from
-tornadoes.
-storm surges.
-wave cyclones.
-hurricanes.
-tropical depressions.
hurricanes.
Given a cP air mass and cT air mass with the same relative humidity, which air mass would have higher specific humidity?
-The cP air mass would have the higher specific humidity.
-The specific humidity of both would be the same because their relative humi
The cT air mass would have the higher specific humidity.
Which of the following is true regarding the amount of freshwater at Earth's surface?
-The amount of the world's fresh water in rivers and streams is greater than that in the atmosphere.
-Surface freshwater sources contain 11.02% of the world's fresh wate
Lakes, rivers, and swamps contain 0.3% of the world's freshwater supply.
The largest portion of fresh water today is located in
-swamps.
-the major rivers and lakes of the world.
-groundwater resources.
-ice caps and glaciers.
-clouds.
ice caps and glaciers.
The hydrologic cycle
-refers to the highly localized transfer of water from plants and soils to the atmosphere and back.
-is the groundwater component of the global water cycle.
-involves the continuous movement of water in all its states throughout the l
involves the continuous movement of water in all its states throughout the lower atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere.
Water enters the soil in a process called ________, and then moves downward through the soil in a process called ________.
-infiltration; percolation
-throughfall; percolation
-percolation; throughfall
-percolation; infiltration
-throughfall; infiltration
infiltration; percolation
In the water budget, ________ is the major receipt and ________ is the major expenditure.
-evapotranspiration; precipitation
-outgassing; dissociation
-precipitation; evapotranspiration
-insolation; radiative cooling
-infiltration; overland flow
precipitation; evapotranspiration
A drought defined based on decreases in streamflow, lowering of reservoir levels, and declines in snowpack is a(n) ________ drought.
-meteorological
-agricultural
-hydrological
-socioeconomic
-climatic
hydrological
Human-made lakes formed by dams are generally known as
-basin.
-reservoirs.
-storage pond.
-lakes.
-impoundments.
reservoirs.
The main source of groundwater is
-outgassing from deep within Earth's interior.
-the zone of aeration above the water table.
-hygroscopic water in the soil.
-precipitation that percolates downward as gravitational water.
-surface water where it intersect
precipitation that percolates downward as gravitational water.
A water-bearing rock stratum is called a(n)
-aquifer.
-zone of aeration.
-water table.
-aquiclude.
-aquitard.
aquifer.
Water scarcity conditions exist when people have less than ________ of water per person per year.
-1000 m2
-1700 m2
-2500 m2
-3000 m2
-2000 m2
1000 m2
All of the following sources of pollution are point sources except
-agricultural runoff.
-factories.
-sewage treatment plants.
-pipes.
-ships.
agricultural runoff.
Which of the following is not considered an issue pertaining to water resources in the future?
-Desalination will exacerbate dwindling freshwater supplies.
-Regional drought will increase pressure on groundwater resources.
-Climate change will affect fres
Desalination will exacerbate dwindling freshwater supplies.
Intercepted water that drains across plant leaves and down their stems to the ground is known as
-infiltration.
-throughfall.
-percolation.
-stem flow.
-overland flow.
stem flow.
Other than ice sheets and glaciers, the largest repository of fresh water is located in
-lakes and saline seas.
-atmospheric water vapor.
-groundwater.
-soil moisture storage.
-rivers and streams.
groundwater.
The process that removes organic compounds, debris, and salinity from seawater, brackish water, and saline groundwater is known as
-consumptive use.
-nonconsumptive use.
-instream use.
-desalination.
-fracking.
desalination.
Global circulation patterns of winds and ocean currents, which drive weather systems and, ultimately, climate patterns are created by
-differential cloud cover over Earth's surface.
-the differential heating properties of land and water.
-the Coriolis for
latitudinal energy imbalance between tropical and polar regions.
Climate is
-the short-term condition of the atmosphere.
-a reference to temperature patterns only.
-the weather of a region.
-the average precipitation an area receives in a month.
-the long-term atmospheric condition-including extremes that may occur.
the long-term atmospheric condition-including extremes that may occur.
What is the study of the collective patterns of atmospheric conditions over many years, including averages, extremes, and variability?
-climate
-climatology
-microclimate
-meteorology
-geology
climatology
Which of the following is not a characteristic of tropical climates?
-consistent day lengths
-unstable air masses
-influence of the ITCZ
-warm ocean temperatures
-short, relatively mild, winters
short, relatively mild, winters
Which of the following is not a causal element of microthermal climates?
-very limited continentality
-latitudinal; effects on temperature
-increasing seasonality
-cyclonic activity
-large diurnal and annual temperature ranges
very limited continentality
Which of the following is false regarding the Mediterranean classification?
-Seventy percent of the precipitation occurs in the winter months.
-Summers are hot.
-Cool offshore ocean currents produce stability in the overlying air masses.
-Summers are infl
The bulk of precipitation occurs in the summer months.
Which is true of humid subtropical winter-dry climates?
-The winter dry season is related to the seasonal pulse of the monsoons.
-They extend poleward from adjacent tropical rain forest climates.
-They have cold ocean currents offshore.
-It is sparsely po
The winter dry season is related to the seasonal pulse of the monsoons.
Part complete
Annual temperature ranges near South Georgia Island are low despite their high latitude because
-the climate is dominated by dry, frigid air masses year-round.
-the island is oriented on the sunward side of a large topographic feature.
-high
they are influenced by maritime environments.
Which air mass appears to predominately influence the humid subtropical region?
-maritime tropical (mT)
-maritime equatorial (mE)
-maritime polar (mP)
-continental polar (cP)
-continental tropical (cT)
maritime tropical (mT)
The low-latitude hot desert climates occur
-only in midlatitude rainshadow positions.
-along the midlatitude, west coasts of continents.
-in the tropics and subtropics.
-in the midlatitudes.
-in polar regions.
in the tropics and subtropics.
________ is a mesothermal climate with a long, hot, dry summer.
-Mediterranean
-Semiarid steppe
-Humid subtropical hot-summer
-Humid continental hot-summer
-Tropical savanna
Mediterranean
The dry season in the tropical monsoon climate occurs when
-the northeast trade winds reverse direction during late winter.
-cold ocean currents shift into the region.
-the ITCZ has moves away from the region.
-the Hadley cells reverse.
-a continental pol
the ITCZ has moves away from the region.
Which type of vegetation is common in the Mediterranean climate?
-chaparral
-selva
-rain forest
-boreal forest
-taiga
chaparral
________ climates occupy the most extensive area of land on Earth.
-Mesothermal
-Tropical
-Polar
-Dry
-Microthermal
Dry
Over the span of 70 million years, the Earth's climate
-was much warmer 70 m.y.a. compared to the present.
-was warmest approximately 10 million years ago and coolest about 56 million years ago.
-has remained fairly constant, only showing a warming trend
was much warmer 70 m.y.a. compared to the present.
Since the Industrial Revolution,
-no observable warming or cooling trends have occurred, rather temperatures have oscillated between warm and cold periods.
-global temperatures have continued to warm at accelerating rates.
-sun spot activity has accelerat
global temperatures have continued to warm at accelerating rates.
Scientists use ________ to study past climates, using ________ to reconstruct climates that extend back further than our present instrumentation allows.
-direct measurements; historical records
-indirect evidence; conjecture
-inference; supposition
-proxy
proxy methods; climate proxies
Mineral deposits within caves and caverns are known as
-varves.
-foraminifera
-latewood.
-earlywood.
-speleothems.
speleothems.
So-called ________ climates are periods with relatively warmer temperatures.
-hothouse
-greenhouse
-coolhouse
-glasshouse
-conservatory
hothouse
Part complete
The last interglacial period with temperatures similar to the present interglacial period was the
-125,000 years ago (Eemian interglacial).
-500,000 years ago (G�nz-Mindel interglacial).
-12,000 years ago (Flandrian interglacial).
-781,000 y
125,000 years ago (Eemian interglacial).
Which of the following accurately describes the use of tree rings for studying past climates (dendroclimatology)?
-The width of annual tree rings indicates the climatic conditions; wider rings suggest favorable conditions, whereas narrower rings suggest h
The width of annual tree rings indicates the climatic conditions; wider rings suggest favorable conditions, whereas narrower rings suggest harsher conditions.
The Little Ice Age likely resulted from
-changes in Earth's axial tilt (obliquity).
-solar activity, volcanic activity and/or multiyear changes in global circulation.
-changes in Earth's orbital shape (eccentricity).
-the Pleistocene megafauna extinction.
solar activity, volcanic activity and/or multiyear changes in global circulation.
Obliquity, i.e. variations in the Earth's axial tilt, range from ________ to ________ over a 41,000-year cycle.
-23.5� to 27.5�
-21.5� to 24.5�
-20.5� to 23.5�
-10.5� to 24.5�
-11.5� to 15.5�
21.5� to 24.5�
As air temperatures increase, evaporation increases. Warmer temperatures also increase the capacity to absorb water vapor. More water vapor in the atmosphere accelerates the greenhouse effect. As temperatures increase further, more water vapor can enter t
positive feedback loop.
As permafrost thaws, increased microbial activity in the soils results in the release of more carbon to the atmosphere. More carbon in the atmosphere accelerated the greenhouse effect. This is known as the
-wildfire-carbon feedback.
-water-vapor feedback.
permafrost-carbon feedback.
Which of the following is not a key indicator of present climate change?
-rising sea level
-decreasing mass of glaciers and ice sheets
-increasing sea-surface temperatures
-decreasing atmospheric water vapor
-decreasing extent of sea ice
decreasing atmospheric water vapor
General circulation models (GCMs) of the atmosphere
-calculate the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere based on data from weather stations located around the globe.
-are a combined GIS and remote sensing technique to monitor atmospheric a
are based on statistical three-dimensional grids that characterize portions of the atmosphere and ocean in terms of climate-related variables.
The most abundant greenhouse gas in the Earth's atmosphere is
-nitrous oxide (N2O).
-carbon dioxide (CO2).
-sulfur dioxide (SO2).
-water vapor (H2O).
-methane (CH4).
water vapor (H2O).
Fossil fuel burning accounts for over ________ percent of CO2 emissions.
-70
-10
-50
-20
-85
70
Which of the following is correct regarding the geologic time scale?
-The bulk of Earth's history has occurred during the Precambrian eon.
-Modern humans live in the Tertiary period.
-Over 87 percent of Earth's history has elapsed during the more recent C
The bulk of Earth's history has occurred during the Precambrian eon.
The scientific study of rock strata (layers) is known as ________ and based on the principle of ________.
-sedimentology; deposition
-Paleontology; catastrophism
-Paleogeography; plate tectonics
-stratigraphy; superposition
-geomorphology; uniformitariani
stratigraphy; superposition
The most recent epoch in the geologic time scale is the ________, though numerous scientists agree we have entered a new epoch called the ________.
-Oligocene; Miocene
-Pliocene; Pleistocene
-Pleistocene; Holocene
-Holocene; Anthropocene
-Miocene; Pliocen
Holocene; Anthropocene
The transition zone from the upper mantle to the crust is known as the ________ discontinuity.
-Mohorovii
-crustal
-lithosphere
-Gutenberg
-asthenosphere
Mohorovii
Which of the following statements about Earth's core is not correct?
-Scientists think the inner core formed before the outer core.
-It is composed primarily of iron.
-The inner core is believed to be liquid and the outer core solid.
-The inner core, desp
The inner core is believed to be liquid and the outer core solid.
The three most abundant elements in Earth's crust are
-magnesium, potassium, and oxygen.
-potassium, sodium, and iron.
-iron, aluminum, and calcium.
-oxygen, silicon, and aluminum.
-magnesium, iron, and calcium
oxygen, silicon, and aluminum.
During the past 4 million years, ________ geomagnetic reversals have occurred.
-9
-25
-1,000
-50
-100
9
Limestone formed from the shells of marine organisms is an example of ________ sedimentary rock.
-clastic
-contact
-biochemical
-extrusive
-inorganic
biochemical
A batholith forms from
-metamorphic rock.
-intrusive igneous rock.
-extrusive igneous rock.
-sediment accumulation in a depression.
-clastic sedimentation.
intrusive igneous rock.
What type of rock is derived from the bits and pieces of former rocks?
-hydrothermal
-igneous
-sedimentary
-mafic
-metamorphic
sedimentary
The geologic cycle is fueled by
-solar energy, only.
-the Earth's internal heat, only.
-neither solar energy and the Earth's internal heat.
-the hydrologic cycle, only.
-both solar energy and the Earth's internal heat.
both solar energy and the Earth's internal heat.
________ is the coherent theory that describes the motion of the Earth's lithosphere and associated processes and results.
-Pangaea
-Metamorphism
-Sea floor spreading
-Plate tectonics
-Contact metamorphism
Plate tectonics
________ are sites of upwelling of magma from the mantle independent of plate boundaries.
-Transform faults
-Subduction zones
-Plate boundaries
-Hot spots
-Mid-ocean ridges
Hot spots
Most cratons date to the
-Devonian period.
-Mesozoic era.
-Paleozoic era.
-Paleocene epoch.
-Precambrian eon.
Precambrian eon.
A large region where a craton is exposed at the surface is known as a
-terrane.
-composite zone.
-continental platform.
-mountain mass.
-continental shield.
continental shield.
Which of the following is incorrectly matched?
-tension - stretching or faulting
-compression - shortening or folding
-shearing - stretching or faulting
-folding - compressional stress
-tension - normal fault
shearing - stretching or faulting
Folded layers of rock can form a wavelike pattern of troughs and crests. The layers near the crest (i.e., the upward fold) form
-shear.
-a thrust fault.
-a tension zone.
-a syncline.
-an anticline.
an anticline.
Tensional stress along a fault can result in a dropped hanging-wall block relative to the footwall side, producing a
-thrust fault.
-reverse fault.
-normal fault.
-strike-slip fault.
-lateral fault.
normal fault.
When lateral shear causes horizontal movement along a fault plane, the resulting fault is called a
-folded fault.
-thrust fault.
-lateral fault.
-strike-slip fault.
-normal fault.
strike-slip fault.
Orogenesis refers to
-a general thinning of the crust.
-the beginning of extensive faulting.
-eroding away of surface material to expose a craton (continental shield).
-the creation of an escarpment during normal faulting.
-a general term for a mountain-b
a general term for a mountain-building episode that thickens continental crust.
The Andes of South America formed as a result of the Nazca plate subducting beneath the South American plate. This is an example of ________ collision.
oceanic plate-oceanic plate
oceanic plate-continental plate
continental shield-craton
continental-plate
oceanic plate-continental plate
Which of the following is not used to rate an earthquake on the moment magnitude scale?
the size of the subsurface or surface area that ruptured
the amount of fault slippage that occurred
the amount of death and destruction that occurred
the nature of the
the amount of death and destruction that occurred
Under pressure, rocks can bend and deform, and then spring back to their initial shape after pressure is released. This is known as
folding.
continental drift.
plate tectonics.
orogeny.
the elastic-rebound theory.
the elastic-rebound theory.
Effusive eruptions are not related to which of the following?
magma rich in iron and magnesium
relatively gentle eruptions
gently sloping shield volcanoes
low-viscosity magma
magma rich in silica and aluminum
magma rich in silica and aluminum
Molten rock that pours forth on Earth's surface is called
intrusive.
magma.
metamorphic.
pyroclastics.
lava.
lava
Pulverized rock and clastic materials ejected violently during an eruption are called
tephra, or pyroclastics.
volcanic ash.
cinders.
scoria.
explosive debris.
tephra, or pyroclastics.
A gently sloping mountain landform built from effusive eruption is known as a
crater.
caldera.
pluton.
shield volcano.
cinder cone.
shield volcano.
The angle of repose represent a balance between the driving force and resisting force. Which of the following is the driving force?
shear
friction
inertia
cohesion
gravity
gravity
All processes that cause reduction and rearrangement of landforms are included in the term
erosion.
weathering.
evisceration.
mass movement.
denudation.
denudation.
Inclined surfaces that form the boundaries of landforms are known as
slopes.
viewsheds.
free face.
regoliths.
catchments.
slopes.
When pressure is removed from overlying rock, the pressure of deep burial is relieved, initiating pressure-release jointing. The joints then separate into curved slabs. This is known as
salt crystal growth.
frost wedging.
spheroidal weathering.
exfoliatio
exfoliation.
Which of the following is not a type of physical weathering process?
exfoliation
thermal expansion
frost wedging
salt crystal growth
hydrolysis
hydrolysis
Part complete
Chemical weathering is greatest under conditions of
lower rainfall, but higher temperatures.
higher rainfall and temperatures.
lower rainfall and temperatures.
higher rainfall, but lower temperatures.
near absence of rainfall, but higher tem
higher rainfall and temperatures.
Part complete
The fact that water expands as much as 9% of its volume as it freezes is the basis of
oxidization.
frost wedging.
hydrolysis
salt crystal growth.
exfoliation.
frost wedging.
Part complete
Carbonation, in terms of chemical weathering, occurs when
carbon dioxide combines with hydrogen to form hydrocarbons that can weather rock and other materials.
water vapor dissolves carbon dioxide, yielding precipitation that contains carbon
water vapor dissolves carbon dioxide, yielding precipitation that contains carbonic acid.
Continuing dissolution and collapse may lead the coalescing of sinkholes to form a
doline.
disappearing stream.
drip curtain.
karst valley.
rise.
karst valley.
Plants are important to the development of karst primarily because
they lessen the impact of raindrops on the surface so the water can more rapidly flow into stream channels.
they provide the calcium carbonate necessary for karst topography to form.
the d
they supply organic acids that enhance the dissolution process.
Which of the following is not a class of mass movement?
slide
fall
creep
flow
slip
slip
Part complete
Which of the following can lead to the slope failure that causes mass movement?
oversteepening of the slope
saturation from rainfall
earthquakes
volcanic eruptions
saturation, oversteepening of slopes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
saturation, oversteepening of slopes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
A slow persistent mass movement of surface soil is called
soil creep.
a debris avalanche.
slump.
a rockfall.
a soil slide.
soil creep.
A ________ is a mixture of water and loosely consolidated sediment, such as gravels, boulders, and coarse rock fragments, moving downslope.
landslide
slump
debris flow
creep
rockfall
debris flow
Watersheds are defined by
stream orders.
drainage divides.
continental divides.
stream size and density.
fluvial units.
drainage divides.
This drainage pattern results when streams flow off a central peak or dome.
trellis
radial
annular
deranged
rectangular
radial
In stream formation, surface water initially moves down slope in a thin film called
rill.
gully.
interfluve.
sheetflow.
river.
sheetflow.
A stream's volume of flow per unit of time is its
base load.
velocity.
flow rate.
discharge.
speed.
discharge.
The river with the greatest discharge is the
Ganges.
Mississippi.
Orinoco.
Yangtze.
Amazon.
Amazon.
Part complete
The main process contributing material in solution in sediment load is
deposition.
physical weathering.
chemical weathering.
biological weathering.
erosion.
chemical weathering.
Part complete
The sediment load consisting of fine-grained clastic particles held aloft in the stream is the
suspended load.
dissolved load.
saltation.
flow load.
bed load.
suspended load.
Which of the following may act as a local base level?
the headwaters
a lake that a river flows into
the upper surface of a waterfall
an interfluve
a drainage divide
a lake that a river flows into
A(n) ________ is a meander that becomes isolated from the rest of the river.
cutbank
cutoff
undercut bank
point bar
oxbow lake
oxbow lake
The ultimate base level is
dependent on the geological substrate.
sea level.
a drainage divide.
any hard, resistant rock in a channel.
a dam.
sea level.
As a stream's competence decreases, which of the following sediments would be deposited last?
sand
gravel
silt
boulders
pebbles
silt
Which of the following is incorrect regarding floodplains?
They are formed by recurrent flooding in the area adjacent to the stream.
They are generally low-lying areas.
Natural levees on either side of a stream are formed during times when the stream is a
They are characterized by rapids and low waterfalls.
The Mississippi River delta has widely spaced distributary channels extending long distances into the Gulf of Mexico. This is an example of a(n) ________ delta.
estuarine
bird's-foot
alluvial
fluvial
arcuate
bird's-foot
A 50-year flood has an annual exceedance probability of
5%.
50%.
25%.
10%.
2%.
2%
Excess sediment may result in which of the following channel patterns?
deeply entrenched U-shaped valleys
braided stream
straight, steep-walled channels
meandering stream
V-shaped valleys
braided stream