Salt & Fresh Water Systems Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the percentage of fresh water on earth

A

2.5% and most of this water (70%) is locked in ice formation at the north and south poles.

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2
Q

The salinity in seawater ranges from 30 to 37. The salinity is the measure of…

A

Dissolved salt in the water

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3
Q

Most freshwater species cannot survive in the marine habitat because…

A

sodium chloride which the chemical name for salt

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4
Q

birds leave in the winter because of…

A

Migration

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5
Q

What is over fishing

A

A decrease in the fish population caused by humans

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6
Q

Which of the following situations is an example of a change that happens over the long term.

a. oil spill
b. Overfishing
c. Human pollution
d. all of the above

A

Overfishing

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7
Q

The bodies of water in the freshwater ecosystem are characterized by…

What makes fresh water different from salt water

A

Very low salt content

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8
Q

What is Eutrophication

A

An increase of biological growth of plants

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9
Q

Algal blooms cause the destruction of aquatic ecosystems. Algal blooms are caused by?

A

Accumulation of nutrients

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10
Q

The disintegration of bedrock by the action of plants and animals is called biological weathering. The disintegration of rock by a process involving the dissolution of the mineral content is called

A

chemical weathering

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11
Q

What is the difference between a valley that is formed by glacial erosion and a valley that is formed by river erosion?

A

A glacier-formed valley is generally U-shaped and a river-formed valley is V-shaped.

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12
Q

Where would a river delta be formed?

A

Flood plain

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13
Q

True or false: A beach is not formed as a result of erosion by moving water

A

True

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14
Q

What do we call a ‘high area from which water drains either towards or away from the watershed’?

A

Boundary

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15
Q

The movements of fluids produced by rising warm fluids and sinking cold fluids are known as

A

convection currents

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16
Q

How might you describe the weather of peru as compared to indonesia

A

Peru will be drier and Indonesia will be wetter.

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17
Q

What is the main reason that a city in the centre of a continent has greater variance in temperature than a city on the coast?

A

A lack of large bodies of water

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18
Q

When the environmental scientists studied the effects of the turbidity of water on the population of living things, they were studying the

A

clarity of the water

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19
Q

What is an example of a biological indicator?

A

Ducks living near water

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20
Q

coli is a bacteria found in water that may cause serious illness. E. coli is an example of which of the following types of pollutants?

A

Biological

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21
Q

Farmers use fertilizers to increase their crop yield. During heavy rainfalls, fertilizer can leach into a nearby lake. Excessive leaching into a lake ecosystem may result in

A

an increase in plant growth in the lake

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22
Q

One impact of the dumping of industrial wastes in water is

A

deformities of bones and other body parts

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23
Q

What do we call the area of earth and it’s atmosphere where water is present?

A

The hydrosphere

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24
Q

How far does the hydrosphere extend?

A

100 km below Earth’s surface to 500 km above Earth’s surface

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25
Q

What roles does water play on Earth?

A
  • erodes and shapes the earth, dissolves most chemicals on earth, stores and releases energy, makes up most of the matter in organisms, helps to sustain most life, contributes to the beauty of the environment
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26
Q

Why is water known as “the universal solvent”?

A

Because water dissolves most chemicals on Earth

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27
Q

What molecules form water?

A

Two hydrogen molecules and one oxygen molecule

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28
Q

At what temperature does water boil and at what temperature does water freeze?

A

Water boils at 100 degrees celsius and freezes at 0 degrees celsius

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29
Q

What do we call it when water molecules stick to other water molecules? and why does this occur?

A

It is called cohesion and it occurs because water molecules pull on each other. The hydrogen end is slightly positively charged and oxygen end is slightly negatively charged so they are attracted to each other.

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30
Q

What do we call it when water sticks to things that aren’t water and what is an example of adhesion?

A

We call water sticking to other molecules and things adhesion and it occurs in plants when water travels through the xylem to the leaves.

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31
Q

What do we call H2O in a gaseous state?

A

Water vapour

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32
Q

What is another word for “boiling”

A

vaporization

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33
Q

Why does ice float on water?

A

Because the water molecules are more tightly packed in its liquid form meaning that in solid form (ice) it is less dense and so can float on the liquid (water)

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34
Q

What is the euphotic zone?

A

The first 100 m of ocean or lake depth where most life is found

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35
Q

What is different about water below the euphotic zone?

A

Light cannot penetrate down this far

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36
Q

What is a vertebrate?

A

An animal with an internal skeleton

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37
Q

How do fish “breathe” under water?

A

Fish have gills which contain something called a filament which allows gases to be exchanged from the water to the fish’s blood. CO2 (carbon dioxide) leaves the fishes blood into the water and O2 (oxygen) enters the fishes blood

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38
Q

What is a swim bladder?

A

An air bladder that a fish has that keeps it from sinking to the ocean floor, sharks to do not have swim bladders and must always keep swimming to keep from sinking.

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39
Q

What are invertebrates? and what are two examples of types of invertebrates?

A

Animals that have no backbone. Mollusks and crustaceans are invertebrates

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40
Q

What are mollusks? Give some examples.

A

Mollusks have soft bodies and no backbone. Squids and octopuses are examples, but so are clams, snails and slugs

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41
Q

What are crustaceans and give some examples?

A

Crustaceans have no back bone, but have a hard outer shell, which is also called an exoskeleton. Examples are lobsters and crabs

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42
Q

What are oceanic intertidal zones?

A

Special areas where marine life has adapted to live without being totally submerged in water. They do this using special bladders that hold salt water so they can survive. They benefit from more food sources, but also are easy prey for birds. Many aquatic creatures lay their eggs in intertidal zones.

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43
Q

What must water organism adapt to in order to in order to live?

A

temperature, light, pressure, salinity, water movement and gas levels

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44
Q

What is the chemical name for salt?

A

Sodium chloride

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45
Q

What are three conditions that change the populations of water-living organisms and how do they change them?

A

Seasonal changes - populations of fish change due to available resources, generally these populations are lower in the winter and higher in the summer

Natural changes - can impact aquatic populations in the long or short-term, a dry spell could dry up a pond (this is short term cause it could come back), a long term change might be the shrinking of a lake due to sedimentation (lake filling with sand and minerals), shrinking the lake and making the fish population smaller

Human-made changes - such as oils spills, over fishing, climate change and pollution of water systems

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46
Q

What are Glaciers

A

Glaciers are a giant block of ice that glides through the water.

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47
Q

What is erosion

A

Erosion is when the wind moves things like dirt, sand, water etc.

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48
Q

How is water purified naturally.

A

Water is purified in nature by the hydrologic cycle

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49
Q

A series of looping bends in a river is called a

A

morraine

50
Q

Moraines are formed by the physical action of

A

moving glaciers

51
Q

Which of the following geological processes creates long and narrow ridges of sand and gravel referred to as eskers?

A

Glacial deposition

52
Q

True or false? Over time water is able to change the shape of entire landscapes?

A

True! Both water and ice can erode rock and carry rock material to new locations

53
Q

What percentage of the Earth’s water is salt?

A

97% of the Earth’s water is salty. If the earth is 97% salt water than it is 3% fresh water

54
Q

Where does our usable fresh water come from?

A

Surface and underground sources (the rest of the fresh water on earth is frozen!)

55
Q

How much of the earth’s fresh water is stored underground, in lakes and rivers, and frozen in ice?

A

87% of the Earth’s fresh water is frozen in ice
12% of the earth’s fresh water is found underground (we call this ground water)
1% is found in lakes and rivers

56
Q

When we look at fresh water how much can be found in lakes, in the atmosphere, wetlands and rivers?

A
  1. 26% of the fresh water on earth can be found in lakes
  2. 04% of the fresh water on earth can be found in the atmosphere
  3. 03% can be found in wetlands
  4. 006% can be found in rivers
57
Q

When we look at usable (not frozen) fresh water on Earth where do we find the most and where do we find the least in the following: lakes, rivers, wetlands and the atmosphere?

A
In order from most to least: 
lakes 
atmosphere 
wetlands
rivers
58
Q

How do we use water in our lives?

A
For electric power production
For agriculture
For Public use in our cities and towns
For industrial use
For domestic use (in our homes)
59
Q

What do we call the water cycle?

A

The hydrological cycle

60
Q

True or false? There is the same amount of water on Earth now as there has always been?

A

TRUE! The water cycle is how Earth recycles its water.

61
Q

What power source drives the Earth’s water cycle?

A

The Sun

62
Q

What are the 5 processes at work in the hydrological cycle?

A
condensation
precipitation 
run off
transpiration 
evaporation
63
Q

What is condensation?

A

gas changing to a liquid (this is how clouds form)

64
Q

What is precipitation?

A

any liquid or solid water that falls to earth

65
Q

what is evaporation?

A

the process of a liquid becoming a gas (water evaporates off bodies of water and turns into water vapour)

66
Q

what is run off?

A

water moving across land, for example, snow melting.

67
Q

what is transpiration?

A

water vapour that is released from plants and soil

68
Q

What are tributaries?

A

small streams that flow into larger streams and eventually rivers.

69
Q

What are some characteristics of rivers and streams in AB?

A
  • They start from glaciers and snowmelt in the Rocky Mountains
  • They begin as tributaries that flow into larger channels
  • Straight channels have a V-shaped bottom and flow very fast
  • winding channels flow slower and have a flatter bottom with more sediment
70
Q

What are some characteristics of ponds/wetlands?

A
  • water sources of ponds and wetlands is from streams, snow melt, rainfall or underground springs
  • light is able to reach the bottom of ponds and wetlands
  • they have a smaller surface area than lakes
71
Q

What are some characteristics of lakes?

A
  • the source of water is from streams, rivers or springs
  • they have zones which receive light
    and deep zones which do not receive light
  • they have a larger surface area than ponds
72
Q

What is a watershed and how many watershed areas are in Alberta?

A

All surface water is part of a watershed, or drainage basin, which is formed by the land the water flows through. A watershed includes both water and land and creates many different habitats. Alberta has 7 watershed areas.

73
Q

What are Alberta’s watersheds (listed from the furthest NW to the furthest SE)?

A
Hay River Watershed
Peace/Slave River Watershed
Athabasca River Watershed
Beaver River Watershed
North Saskatchewan River Watershed
South Saskatchewan River Watershed
Milk River Watershed
74
Q

What is a riparian area?

A

Riparian areas are the zones of lush, green, moisture-loving vegetation that surround wetlands, lakes, streams, and rivers. Riparian areas form a transition zone between aquatic and dry, upland habitats.

75
Q

What are some common features of riparian areas?

A
  • Lots of water either close to or on the surface of the land
  • vegetation that requires lots of water (grows well when there is lots of water)
  • soils that respond well to having lots of water nearby
76
Q

Why are riparian areas important?

A
  • They help reduce erosion
  • They limit invasive species
  • They limit algae growth
  • They reduce sediment pollution
77
Q

How does water move through watersheds in alberta?

A
  • water in North and Central Alberta flows toward the arctic ocean
  • water in the east, central and southern parts of alberta flows east towards hudsons bay
  • a small amount of water in the southmost part of alberta ends up in new mexico
78
Q

Why is it important to monitor watersheds?

A
  • To manage pollution

- understanding how development of cities impacts water run off

79
Q

How many drainage basins does Canada have?

A
5
Water in Canada drains into"
- The Pacific ocean, 
- The arctic ocean
- The Atlantic Ocean
- Hudsons Bay
- The Gulf Of Mexico
80
Q

what is streamflow?

A

The amount of water that runs off of a watershed. This can be managed continuously through gauges or manually.

81
Q

Where do erosion and deposition occur in rivers streams?

A

Erosion occurs in areas with less vegetation where the land has steeper slopes or where the water is moving more quickly.

Deposition occurs where the river slope is flatter and the water moves more slowly.

82
Q

What are they sources of pollution in water systems?

A
  • urban (cities) run off
  • treated sewage
  • garbage from boats
  • oil spills
  • agricultural run off
  • air pollution
  • industrial pollution
83
Q

What is the difference between point and nonpoint pollution sources?

A

Point pollution sources is where the pollution originated from a single, identifiable source (like an oil spill).

Nonpoint pollution sources are pollutions sources where a specific source is not easily identifiable (like air pollution)

84
Q

What is an aquifer?

A

A sort of underground river system where certain types of rock (such as sandstone) allow water to flow through rock pores.

85
Q

What is a water table?

A

The layer of porous rock under ground where all the pores are full of water.

86
Q

What are the two types of glaciers?

A

Alpine(Valley) and Continental

87
Q

What is the difference between Alpine(Valley) and Continental glaciers

A

Alpine(Valley) - A glacier that forms in the Mountains

Continental - A glacier that forms mainly in the North and South Poles due to snow and ice build up

88
Q

What are the four parts of a glacier?

A

Arete
Cirque
Horn
Striation

89
Q

What are types of glacial deposits and land formations?

A
Moraine
Till
Esker
Outwash
Erratic's
Drumlin
Kettle Lake
90
Q

What is the difference between Glaciers and Ice Caps

A

Glacier - A moving mass of ice and snow

Ice Caps - a glacier That forms on an extensive area of relatively level land and that flows outwards from its center.

91
Q

What are the types of Ocean Currents

A

Surface and Deep Water

92
Q

What is the difference between Surface Currents and Deep water Currents

A

Surface Currents - Are driven by the wind

Deep Water Currents - are density-driven and differ from surface currents in scale, speed, and energy

93
Q

What is the difference between Warm Ocean Currents and Cold Ocean Currents?

A

Warm Ocean Currents - flow from the Equator

Cold Ocean Currents - flow from the Arctic and Antarctic regions

94
Q

What are Tides?

A

Tides are the slow rise and fall of the ocean along coasts

95
Q

What are the two types of Tides?

A

Spring and Neap Tides

96
Q

What is the difference between Spring and Neap Tides?

A

Spring Tides - The largest tidal movements that occur when Earth, Moon, and Sun are in a line. (At these times, tides are extra high and extra low)

Neap Tides - The smallest tidal movements that occur when the Sun and
Moon are at right angles to each other. (At these times there is little difference in depth between high and low tides.

97
Q

What causes Tides?

A

Tidal movements result mainly from the pull of the Moon’s gravity on the ocean.

98
Q

What is desalination?

A

the process of removing salt from seawater

99
Q

Ways to manage Quantity of water?

A

Methods of water management can be classified as Conservation, Allocation, retrofit program and Behavioral practice

100
Q

What are the 5 stages of water treatment?

A

They typically consist of several steps in the treatment process. These include: (1) Collection ; (2) Screening and Straining ; (3) Chemical Addition ; (4) Coagulation and Flocculation ; (5) Sedimentation and Clarification ; (6) Filtration ; (7) Disinfection ; (8) Storage ; (9) and finally Distribution

101
Q

Ways water is used in Alberta?

A

Recreation, Tourism, Power, Drinking, Farming

102
Q

List the sources of freshwater on Earth from greatest to smallest quantities

A

Glaciers and Ice Caps - 68.7%
Ground Water - 30.1%
Surface/Other Fresh Water - 1.2%

103
Q

Using the water cycle, explain two ways that a puddle might disappear

A

Evaporation and

104
Q

Explain how a raindrop falling on a mountain might end up in the aquifer underground

A

By way of the Water Cycle with the raindrop passing through the runoff to the ground water

105
Q

What are two ways that the amount of water running off the land could be reduced?

A

Disconnect/Redirect Downspouts.
Use a rain barrel to capture rain from your roof.
Plant a rain garden.
Plant trees.
Reduce impervious surfaces; install permeable pavement.
Plant a green roof.

106
Q

Why is it important to monitor how much water is running through a river or a stream on a regular basis

A

to understanding hydrological processes and the effects of the area on the river/stream

107
Q

What is the difference between a watershed and a well?

A

Watersheds are areas of land that drain to a particular water body, such as a lake, stream, river or estuary.

Wells are used to access ground water

108
Q

Identify one advantage and one disadvantage of using groundwater (wells) for drinking water?

A

Advantage - Availability, low cost, no evaporation loss

Disadvantage - Groundwater may contain disease-causing microorganisms which can cause illness, contamination

109
Q

Where is the greatest amount of erosion occurring in a meandering river or stream

A

on the downstream side of a meander

110
Q

Why is controlling erosion an important part of watershed management?

A

topsoil may lose its ability to hold nutrients, regulate water flow, and combat pollutants. In addition to affecting the ecosystem of nearby wildlife, residential properties and transportation systems can suffer long term damage

111
Q

Give an example of how human activity causes point sources of pollution to enter a watershed and describe one effect of that pollution

A

smokestacks, discharge pipes, and drainage ditches are point sources of pollution

Oil spills, death of aquatic life and aquatic ecosystems

112
Q

Why are nonpoint sources of pollution a greater concern for water quality?

A

because it comes from many different sources and locations.

Most nonpoint source pollution occurs as a result of runoff. When rain or melted snow moves over and through the ground, the water absorbs and assimilates any pollutants it comes into contact with.

113
Q

Describe one way that water in polluted streams can be restored so that they are suitable for fishing and swimming

A
Properly dispose of hazardous household items
Reduce or eliminate use of fertilizers and chemical herbicides and pesticides
Landscape with native plants
Eliminate bare spots in your yard
Install a rain barrel
Make a rain garden
Resurface with permeable pavers
Don't litter
114
Q

Give two examples of ways people in our community can reduce water pollution

A

Pick up litter and throw it away in a garbage can.

Blow or sweep fertilizer back onto the grass if it gets onto paved areas. Don’t put fertilizer on the grass right before it rains. The chemicals will wash into storm drains and waterways.

Mulch or compost grass or yard waste. Or, leave it in your yard if you can’t compost. Don’t blow leaves into the street.

Don’t pour your motor oil down the storm drain.

Never clean up a spill by hosing it into a storm drain. Place kitty litter, sand, or another absorbent on the spill. Once the liquid becomes solid - sweep it up and throw it in a garbage can.

115
Q

Give two examples of ways people in our community can avoid wasting water

A

Install low-flow fixtures

Aerate your lawn

Turn off the tap while washing your face, brushing your teeth and shaving

Fix leaks

Take shorter showers

116
Q

A tour company wants to promote underwater excursions to visit the regions of the ocean floor. Give one feature of each region that the company could use to advertise a tour.

A

Mid Atlantic Ridge

Continental Slope

Continental Shelf

Abyssal Plain

117
Q

Suppose a construction company left an open drum of adhesive (glue) beside a stream. How might this be a problem for the drinking water supply in the municipality

A

Because the glue could get into the water treatment system and clog it up, and possibly shut it down until the glue can be removed from the water

118
Q

Why is the warming of the oceans such a concern in terms of ocean currents? What are two major impacts that might have on marine animals?

A

Increasing ocean temperatures affect marine species and ecosystems. Rising temperatures cause coral bleaching and the loss of breeding grounds for marine fishes and mammals. Also causes aquatic life to die.

119
Q

Identify two reasons why sand filters are not the only component of the water treatment process?

A
120
Q

How can you tell if a valley has been formed by a glacier

A

They have a characteristic U shape in cross-section, with steep, straight sides and a flat or rounded bottom (by contrast, valleys carved by rivers tend to be V-shaped in cross-section).

121
Q

What is the difference between an advancing and retreating glacier

A

Glacier Advance - If more snow and ice are added than are lost through melting, calving, or evaporation.

Glacial Retreat - If less snow and ice are added than are lost, glaciers will retreat.

122
Q

What is the difference between outwash and till

A

Till - glacial drift consisting of a mixture of clay, sand, pebbles and boulders

Outwash - The sediment (mostly sand and gravel) deposited by water flowing from a melting glacier