GH West Virginia Natural Resources 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which West Virginia waterway is considered one of the oldest rivers in the world, predating the Appalachian Mountains themselves?
- New River (Correct answer)
- Greenbrier River
- Cheat River
- Elk River
Correct answer: New River
The New River is paradoxically one of the oldest rivers in the world, having carved its gorge before the Appalachians uplifted around it.
Question 2: West Virginia's highest point, Spruce Knob, reaches approximately what elevation?
- 4,863 feet (Correct answer)
- 6,684 feet
- 3,200 feet
- 5,400 feet
Correct answer: 4,863 feet
Spruce Knob rises to 4,863 feet above sea level, making it the highest point in West Virginia and the entire Allegheny Mountain range.
Question 3: Which mineral, once mined extensively in West Virginia's Lewisburg area, was used to make plaster and wallboard?
- Gypsum (Correct answer)
- Limestone
- Granite
- Slate
Correct answer: Gypsum
Gypsum deposits in the Greenbrier Valley were mined and processed into plaster of paris and building materials for much of the 20th century.
Question 4: The cranberry bogs found in Pocahontas County represent which unique type of natural ecosystem?
- High-altitude peatland (Correct answer)
- Coastal wetland
- River delta
- Desert scrubland
Correct answer: High-altitude peatland
The Cranberry Glades in Pocahontas County are high-altitude peatland bogs, the southernmost example of this boreal ecosystem in the eastern US.
Question 5: What is the primary use of the Summersville Lake reservoir in Nicholas County?
- Flood control and recreation (Correct answer)
- Drinking water only
- Industrial cooling
- Fish farming
Correct answer: Flood control and recreation
Summersville Lake, the largest lake in West Virginia, was created by the Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and now also serves as a major recreation area.
Question 6: Which endangered fish species, native to the Elk and other West Virginia rivers, is the focus of state conservation efforts?
- Candy darter (Correct answer)
- Brook trout
- Flathead catfish
- Smallmouth bass
Correct answer: Candy darter
The candy darter, a brilliantly colored small fish native to the Elk River watershed, is federally listed as endangered and protected under WV conservation programs.
GH West Virginia Natural Resources 2
Which West Virginia waterway is considered one of the oldest rivers in the world, predating the Appalachian Mountains themselves?