CH Ecosystem Restoration 2

Question 1

Which hydrological indicator is most commonly used to assess progress in wetland restoration projects?

Accepted Answer

Groundwater table elevation relative to soil surface

Answer

Groundwater table elevation relative to the soil surface directly reflects hydrologic reconnection, the primary goal of most wetland restorations.

Question 2

In stream restoration, what does the term 'bankfull discharge' represent?

Accepted Answer

The flow that fills the channel to the top of the banks and controls channel morphology

Answer

Bankfull discharge is the channel-forming flow that fills the stream to its banks and is the dominant control on channel shape and size.

Question 3

A hydrographer notices that a restored reach has a sinuosity ratio of 1.05. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

The channel is nearly straight, suggesting possible under-restoration

Answer

A sinuosity ratio near 1.0 indicates an almost straight channel; reference reaches for the same valley slope typically have higher sinuosity.

Question 4

Which method best estimates pre-disturbance channel geometry when designing a stream restoration?

Accepted Answer

Aerial photograph analysis of reference reaches with similar drainage area and slope

Answer

Reference reach analysis using aerial photos of unimpacted streams with comparable drainage area and slope provides the most reliable pre-disturbance geometry estimate.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of installing large woody debris (LWD) in a restoration project?

Accepted Answer

To create habitat complexity, pool formation, and sediment storage

Answer

LWD creates hydraulic diversity, pool-riffle sequences, and sediment storage that improve aquatic habitat complexity.

(CH) Certified Hydrographer Practice Test

(CH) Certified Hydrographer Practice Test

CH Ecosystem Restoration 2