Quiz on Overgrazing and Desertification

What would most likely result if more farms were developed along river basins in North Carolina?

• an increase in average rainfall

• an increase in nonnative species

• an increase in water pollution

• an increase in severe weather events

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In the coastal town of Seaview, residents noticed their drinking water had become salty. Investigation revealed that saltwater from the nearby ocean had infiltrated the town's groundwater supply due to excessive groundwater extraction. This process, known as saltwater intrusion, happens when the natural pressure balance between freshwater and saltwater in coastal aquifers is disrupted. To address the issue, Seaview's officials reduced groundwater pumping and implemented water conservation measures. They also began recharging the aquifer by injecting treated freshwater back into the ground. These steps helped restore the balance and push the saltwater back towards the ocean. What was one of the main causes of saltwater intrusion in Seaview?

• Excessive groundwater extraction

• Increased rainfall

• Construction of a dam

• Natural disasters

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Scientists think that the rise in global temperatures during the last one hundred years is due to an increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Which questions would best help scientists assess the claim that humans are responsible for the rising global temperature?

• What is the mechanism by which carbon dioxide heats Earth?

• What is the source of most of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

• What is the source of the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

• What is the increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

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Which is associated with an increase of chlorofluorocarbons in the environment?

• an increase in health risks associated with UV radiation

• an increase in levels of methane gas in the atmosphere

• an increase in ozone levels in the upper atmosphere

• an increase in acid precipitation

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Which of the following releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, enhancing the greenhouse effect and possibly causing global warming? (5.3) I. The use of fossil fuels II. Deforestation and clearing and burning of grasslands to raise crops III. Cultivation of rice in paddies and use of inorganic fertilizers Mark only one oval.

• A) I only

• B) II only

• C) I and II only

• D) I, II, and III

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What health and environmental problems are associated with criteria air pollutants such as ground-level ozone and particulate matter? (5.3)

• Ground-level ozone and particulate matter primarily contribute to water pollution and soil degradation, posing little risk to human health.

• Ground-level ozone and particulate matter can cause respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and environmental problems such as smog formation and reduced visibility.

• Ground-level ozone and particulate matter are beneficial for plant growth and have no significant health impacts.

• Ground-level ozone and particulate matter are only problematic in rural areas and do not affect urban populations.

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Which describes the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion? (5.4)

• Nuclear fission is the process that produces the radiant energy of stars, and nuclear fusion splits a heavier nucleus into smaller nuclei.

• Nuclear fission splits a heavier nucleus into smaller nuclei and produces energy in nuclear power plants, and nuclear fusion is the process that produces the radiant energy of stars.

• Nuclear fission produces energy in nuclear power plants, and nuclear fusion produces the energy in the core of Earth.

• Nuclear fission produces the energy in the core of Earth, and nuclear fusion produces energy in nuclear power plants.

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Some power plants pump water down deep holes into hot rock. The hot rock heats the water, which turns the water into steam. The steam rushes back to Earth’s surface and is used to make electricity. This plant is generating which alternative energy resource?

• Biomass

• Solar Energy

• Wind

• Geothermal energy

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A mining company has recently ceased operations at a large coal mine. As part of the reclamation process, they must restore the land to a condition that supports its previous use or an agreed-upon alternative use. Given the following options, which reclamation strategy would best address both ecological restoration and community needs, and what are the potential long-term benefits and challenges of this approach?

• The company plants non-native fast-growing trees to quickly restore vegetation cover and prevent soil erosion; the long-term benefits include rapid greening of the area, but challenges include potential disruption to local ecosystems and lack of biodiversity.

• The company leaves the site as is, allowing natural succession to take place; the long-term benefits include natural habitat restoration over time, but challenges include extended periods of soil erosion and sedimentation in nearby water bodies.

• The company collaborates with local communities to develop a mixed-use plan that includes native vegetation restoration, creation of wetlands, and recreational areas; the long-term benefits include improved biodiversity, enhanced ecosystem services, and community engagement, but challenges include higher initial costs and the need for ongoing maintenance and monitoring.

• The company converts the site into an industrial park to boost local economy; the long-term benefits include job creation and economic growth, but challenges include potential environmental contamination and loss of natural habitat.

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In the thriving town of Ecohaven, residents prided themselves on their sustainable lifestyle. However, as the population grew, so did the waste problem. Mayor Lisa initiated a campaign to reduce waste, encouraging practices like composting, recycling, and reducing single-use plastics. Schools taught children about the importance of waste reduction, and local businesses began adopting eco-friendly packaging. The community came together to organize monthly clean-up drives and swap meets, where items could be exchanged instead of thrown away. The town's efforts paid off, as Ecohaven saw a significant reduction in landfill waste and an increase in environmental awareness among its residents. One day, a delegation from the nearby city of Greentown visited Ecohaven to learn about their waste reduction strategies. Inspired by Ecohaven's success, Greentown decided to implement similar practices. They faced challenges, but with Ecohaven’s guidance, they managed to establish effective recycling programs and community clean-up events. The story of Ecohaven and Greentown became a testament to the power of collective action in waste reduction and environmental stewardship. What was the first step Mayor Lisa took to address the waste problem in Ecohaven?

• Implementing a waste incineration plant

• Launching a campaign to encourage composting, recycling, and reducing single-use plastics

• Banning all types of packaging

• Building more landfills

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