Environmental Science Water Resources 2

Question 1

Which water treatment process uses chlorine or UV light to kill pathogenic organisms?

Accepted Answer

Disinfection

Answer

Disinfection is the final treatment stage that eliminates remaining pathogens to make water safe for drinking.

Question 2

What is the Ogallala Aquifer, and why is it environmentally significant?

Accepted Answer

A massive underground water reserve; being depleted faster than replenished

Answer

The Ogallala (High Plains) Aquifer underlies 8 Great Plains states and is being depleted by irrigation far faster than natural recharge.

Question 3

What is water stress, as defined in environmental science?

Accepted Answer

When freshwater demand exceeds available supply

Answer

Water stress occurs when human demand for freshwater exceeds the available supply in a given region.

Question 4

Which process in the water cycle returns water to the atmosphere from plant leaves?

Accepted Answer

Transpiration

Answer

Transpiration is the process by which plants absorb water through roots and release it as water vapor through leaf stomata.

Question 5

What is the main purpose of riparian buffer zones along waterways?

Accepted Answer

To filter runoff and reduce sediment and nutrient loading into streams

Answer

Riparian buffers of vegetation along stream banks trap sediment, absorb nutrients, and stabilize streambanks.

Environmental Science Practice Test