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Why does withdrawal of fluids sometimes lead to subsidence?
A) The fluid pressure provides partial support for the overlying rock mass.
B) The water holds subsurface caves open
C) The water adds weight to the mass of Earth materials
D) The smaller amount of water leads to greater chemical weathering
the fluid pressure provides partial support for the overlying rock mass
T/F
Hillslopes are typically static systems
false
A comprehensive term for any type of downslope movement of Earth materials is
a) subsidence
b) debris flow
c) avalanche
d) mass wasting
mass wasting
On what information is a hazard map based?
a) grading codes for hazard construction
b) climate
c) subsurface water flow
d) geology and inventory of past landslides
geology and inventory of past landslides
Vegetation influences landslides in part by
Show answer choices
aerating the soil
promoting deeper weathering of underlying rock
influencing the local climate
anchoring the slope materials
anchoring the slope materials
Why are landslides more common on steep slopes?
Show answer choices
Slope angle determines the relative magnitude of driving forces.
Steeper slopes typically are underlain by weaker Earth materials.
The steeper the slope, the less vegetation plays a role in anchoring the slope.
Water flows much faster on steep slopes.
Slope angle determines the relative magnitude of driving forces
Why is drainage control sometimes an effective method of landslide control?
Show answer choices
it reduces the amount of water in the hillslope materials
it reduces the thickness of the slide mass
it reduces the permeability of the rocks
it reduces the growth of vegetation
it reduces the amount of water in the hillslope materials
Erosion of the base of a slope may increase landslide hazards by oversteepening the slope.
T
True
F
False
true
Slope processes are dynamic features that depend on which of the following?
Show answer choices
vegetation
topography
climate
water
rock types
geologic time
all of the above
How do slumps and translational slides differ?
Show answer choices
translational slides are more damaging
slumps are more damaging
translational slides are planar
slumps are rotational
slumps are rotational
translational slides are planar
Slumps and debris flows tend to occur separately in time and space.
True or False
false
Grading of slopes can either increase or decrease landslide hazards.
True or false
False
How does road construction associated with timber harvesting contribute to landslide hazards?
The roads loosen the soil, making shallow soil slips more likely.
The roads alter the movement of surface water and groundwater.
The roads add weight to the hillslope.
Road construction removes large numbers of trees.
The roads alter the movement of surface water and groundwater
Erosion of the base of a slope may increase landslide hazards by oversteepening the slope.
True
Types of mass wasting events include:
tsunamis
creep
avalanches
landslides
slumps
earthquakes
creep
avalanches
landslides
slumps
The following human land use changes can impact the occurrence of mass wasting events:
inadequate controls of storm water runoff
urbanization
irrigation
dam construction
backfilling with loose materials
all of these
Hurricanes in the tropical Atlantic Ocean tend to originate as
typhoons off the Iberian Peninsula
major pressure lows over the equatorial ocean
thunderstorms in West Africa
minor perturbations of the jet stream
thunderstorms in West Afr
Which of the following does not influence wave size?
wind fetch (the distance the wind travels)
wind temperature
wind duration
wind velocity
wind temperature
Soft stabilization of coastal erosion utilizes seawalls constructed of soft, cushioned materials versus hard materials such as steel.
True or False
false
What adverse effect do groins and jetties both have on coastal erosion?
They stop longshore transport of sand and starve down-drift areas of sand.
They rob the waves of their energy to transport sand.
They reflect waves across the beach.
They cause the waves striking the structure to increase in height and erosive power
they stop longshore transport of sand and starve down-drift areas of sand
Coastal landscapes are capable of rapid change because continental and oceanic processes converge there
true or false
true
The current flowing parallel to and just offshore of a beach is called
longshore current
down current
beach current
rip current
longshore current
Why are the impacts of coastal hazards so great?
because many populated areas are located near the coasts
because they are high magnitude/low frequency hazards
because coastal hazards are particularly intense natural hazards
because coastal erosion extends far inland
because many populated areas are located near the coasts
The goal of groin installation is to trap sand.
True or false
true
As waves enter shallow water, what happens to them? Select more than one correct answer.
wavelength decreases
wave height increases
wavelength increases
wave height decreases
wave height increases
wavelength decreases
The incidences of coastal hazards is expected to increase in the future because (select more than one correct answer).
warming climate causing stronger tsunamis
warming climate causing stronger hurricanes
increasing population and development in coastal regions
warming climate causing stronger rip currents
Warming climate causes stronger hurricanes
Increasing population and development in coastal regions
Warming climate causing stronger rip currents
Why does river damming sometimes contribute to coastal erosion?
The reservoirs occasionally flood through a distributary channel, eroding the beach.
The supply of water to the longshore current is reduced.
The channel between jetties tends to become clogged with sand.
The supply of sediment to beaches is shut off.
The supply of sediment to beaches is shut off
Why do waves expend so much energy on a rocky headland?
Waves reflect off the headland and amplify the incoming waves.
Headlands tend to have deeper water surrounding them, so the waves are higher.
Wave velocity is greater on headlands than on beaches.
Waves refract toward the headland on both sides.
Waves refract toward the headland on both sides.
What is the main drawback of seawalls?
They tend not to protect the seacliff very well.
They stop the longshore transport of sand.
They trap sand, forcing the ocean around the beach, where it erodes intensively.
They reflect wave energy back across the beach and cause erosio
They reflect wave energy back across the beach and cause erosion
Serious coastal hazards include: Select more than one correct answer.
hurricanes
rip currents
longshore currents
tsunamis
All of these
Coastal erosion along the Gulf coast has accelerated by 30-40% over the past 100 years and is due to: Select more than one correct answer.
land subsidence due to groundwater and petroleum extraction
increased sediment supply as a result of damming of rivers
coastal engineered structures
gradual rise of sea lever due to climate change
land subsidence due to groundwater and petroleum extraction
increased sediment supply as a result of damming of rivers
coastal engineered structures
gradual rise of sea lever due to climate change
What aspect of hurricanes tends to cause the greatest death and destruction?
the intense wind
lightning from thunderstorms spawned by the cyclone
flooding from rain, waves, and storm surge
the intensely low atmospheric pressure in the storm's eye
flooding from rain, waves, and storm surge
Engineered structures are designed to protect man-made structures along the coast. These include:
jetties
beach nourishment
seawalls
groins
jetties
seawalls
groins
The water table separates confined and unconfined aquifers.
True or False
false
Which of the following are true of the Edwards Aquifer in central Texas?
it supplies water to Barton Springs in Austin
it is the primary source of drinking water for central Texas
there is enough water in the aquifer for unlimited use
it is a karst aquifer
it supplies water to Barton Springs in Austin
it is the primary source of drinking water for Central Texas
it is a karst aquifer
Runoff in areas of shale bedrock tends to be less that in areas of gravel because of the high porosity of shale.
True or False
false
Wetlands contribute to poor water quality and harm flood control.
True or False
false
Groundwater movement is proportional to porosity.
True or False
false
Which of the following would likely serve as an aquitard?
fractured gneiss
clay
sand
gravel
clay
A cone of depression forms when water is pumped from an unconfined aquifer, but not when water is pumped from a confined aquifer.
True or false
false
The velocity of surface water flow influences the amount of soil or sediment the water can erode.
True or false
true
Groundwater mining is accomplished by
high discharge of water to streams
very clean miners
thorough exploration for groundwater resources
pumping that exceeds recharge
pumping that exceeds recharge
The water table separates confined and unconfined aquifers.
True or False
false
Desalination is very expensive and is used only where alternative water sources are unavailable.
True or False
true
Warning systems for landslide-prone areas include:
stop or reroute traffic
monitoring of tilt meters
time for evacuation
public awareness and education
All of these
Sinkholes often result from water table fluctuations.
True or false
true
How does road construction associated with timber harvesting contribute to landslide hazards?
The roads alter the movement of surface water and groundwater.
Road construction removes large numbers of trees.
The roads loosen the soil, making shallow soil slips more likely.
The roads add weight to the hillslope.
The roads alter the movement of surface water and groundwater.
Why might the infiltration of water deep into a slide mass increase landslide hazards?
The water increases the pore water pressure, effectively lifting the slide mass from stable ground beneath.
Water will erode the subsurface materials, reducing strength of the slide mass.
Deep infiltration forces vegetation to root more deeply.
Water in the deep subsurface influences soil formation, leading to shallow soil slips.
The water increases the pore water pressure, effectively lifting the slide mass from stable ground beneath.
Grading of slopes can either increase or decrease landslide hazards.
True or false
True
Causes of subsurface ground failure include:
dissolution of salt beds
subsurface coal mining
dissolution of limestone
strip mining of copper
subsidence caused by withdrawal of groundwater
subsidence caused by withdrawal of oil and gas
dissolution of salt beds
subsurface coal mining
dissolution of limestone
subsidence caused by withdrawal of groundwater
subsidence caused by withdrawal of oil and gas
In Yosemite National Park, strong bedrock influences the formation of what types of hillslopes?
convex upper slopes
concave lower slopes
free cliff faces and talus piles
glacial
free cliff faces and talus piles
Hurricanes tend to strengthen over warm ocean water
True or false
True
What is the principal goal of beach nourishment?
to maintain a positive beach budget and alleviate the need for engineered structures
to keep jetties from accumulating so much sand that they fill in river channels
to eliminate littoral transport
to augment the sand supply so that engineered structures work more efficiently
to maintain a positive beach budget and alleviate the need for engineered structures
The overpumping of groundwater in the Long Island area has resulted in which of the following?
lowering of groundwater levels
intrusion of salty groundwater
drying up of streams
injection of stream water to recharge groundwater
lowering of groundwater levels
intrusion of salty groundwater
drying up of streams
The boundary between drainage basins is called the
high point
basin split
drainage divide
watershed
drainage divide
Why is karst topography a concern for groundwater quality?
The limestone of karst systems dissolves into the water.
Caves tend to have high levels of carbon monoxide, which dissolves in the water.
Waste disposed in karst areas can easily infiltrate into the ground.
Sinkholes form from collapsed caverns.
Waste disposed in karst areas can easily infiltrate into the ground
If water is so abundant on Earth, why are water resources such a big concern?
Humans are not very adept at exploiting water resources, so many go unused.
Most of the water on earth is frozen in polar ice sheets.
Most of the water is caught up in the hydrologic cycle and is therefore not readily available.
Water resources are not necessarily where humans need them and when they need them.
Water resources are not necessarily where humans need them and when they need them
Surface water and groundwater are
interconnected systems
effluent systems
completely separate systems
offstream systems
interconnected systems
Why is sediment yield an important consideration in a discussion of water supplies?
Sediment yield affects the amount of water that is available.
Soil erosion restricts water flow to streams.
Sediment is a common water pollutant.
Water resources and sediment resources are closely intertwined.
Sediment is a common water pollutant.
Water pressure is generally greater in a confined aquifer than in an unconfined aquifer.
True or false
True
Groundwater mining in the Ogallala aquifer is a function of the very small amount of water contained in the aquifer.
False
Vegetation decreases runoff by
reflecting only the green portion of sunlight
holding soil in place
intercepting rainfall and slowing its fall to the ground
absorbing water into leaves
intercepting rainfall and slowing its fall to the ground
he Colorado River Basin: Which of the following issues are found in this area?
the river has sufficient water for everyone
dam construction has reduced flow in the river
dam construction has impacted sediment distribution
the river is essentially dry by the time it reaches the Gulf of California
water from the river is appropriated to seven western states and Mexico
dam construction has reduced flow in the river
dam construction has impacted sediment distribution
the river is essentially dry by the time it reaches the Gulf of California
water from the river is appropriated to seven western states and Mexico
The biomagnification of mercury occurs as mercury moves through
tissues of aquatic algae
the aquatic food chain
insect swarms
the body of a fish
the aquatic food chain
Why is municipal wastewater sludge considered problematic?
it sometimes contains heavy metals
it has a high biochemical oxygen demand
it has no known use
it is too rich in nutrients
it sometimes contains heavy metals
Which of the following would be considered a point source of pollution?
yard fertilizer in runoff
agricultural runoff
street runoff
industrial wastewater discharge
industrial wastewater discharge
Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus are removed from municipal wastewater by secondary treatment.
True or false
False
Septic tank systems can contribute nitrate contamination to groundwater.
True or false
True
Thermal pollution is harmful to some organisms, but actually helps others survive.
True or false
True
Why did Congress require the Environmental Protection Agency to establish minimum drinking water standards?
The long-term effects of small amounts of chemical contamination were unknown.
Laboratory detection limits of common contaminants became much more sensitive.
Long-term exposure to small amounts of chemicals was proven to be hazardous.
Levels of contaminants in municipal drinking water systems rose to toxic levels.
The long-term effects of small amounts of chemical contamination were unknown.
Acid mine drainage is a problem because
the acid water may mobilize hazardous heavy metals
it dissolves limestone
it represents a waste of ore that could be mined
it adds sulfur to coal, making it less desirable as a fuel source
The acid water may mobilize hazardous heavy metals
Heavy metals remain suspended in the water column indefinitely.
True or false
false
Common pollutants in water include:
sediment
oxygen-demanding waste
nutrients
toxic waste
petroleum
pathogenic microbes
all of these
What is the principal cause of septic system failure?
plugging of delivery pipes
poor tank design
failure of advanced treatment systems
poor soil drainage
poor soil drainage
Because they are of smaller scale, non-point source pollution sources are more easily regulated and controlled than are point sources.
False
All coliform bacteria are harmless.
True or false
False
The level of decaying organic matter in water is indicated by what measure?
biochemical oxygen demand
eutrophication index
fecal coliform
nitrogen and phosphorus
biochemical oxygen demand
If sediment is from natural sources, why is it considered a water pollutant?
it is toxic at its source, so it is also toxic in the water
it is usually laden with mercury
it is an out-of-place resource
it is only a pollutant if it contains agricultural chemicals
it is an out-of-place resource
What is the principal cause of cultural eutrophication?
elevated levels of phosphorus and nitrogen
elevated biochemical oxygen demand
heavy metals in treated municipal water
elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria
elevated levels of phosphorus and nitrogen
Saltwater intrusion results from
overpumping of groundwater
injection of brine wastes into aquifers
hurricane-induced flooding of land surfaces
rising salinity of seawater
overpumping of groundwater
Groundwater pollution is better alleviated by prevention than by treatment.
True
What measures have largely eliminated waterborne diseases in the United States?
water renovation and conservation
separation of sewage and drinking water
stringent pig farm regulations
the Clean Water Act
separation of sewage and drinking water
The main concern with organic chemicals in groundwater is their flammability.
False
Septic tank systems can contribute nitrate contamination to groundwater.
True
Eutrophication can occur in the absence of human influences.
True
