2. What is the role of a drainage basin?
Drain water from rivers or streams.
Collect rain and other precipitation to drain into rivers or streams.
Allow a place for flood waters to be absorbed instead of going into larger rivers.
Hold water to evaporate instead of going into rivers or streams.
Drain water into the ocean through an intricate series of underground tunnels.

3. What is the role of a drainage basin?
Drain water from rivers or streams.
Collect rain and other precipitation to drain into rivers or streams.
Allow a place for flood waters to be absorbed instead of going into larger rivers.
Hold water to evaporate instead of going into rivers or streams.
Drain water into the ocean through an intricate series of underground tunnels.
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Global Sci Out: 7 Demonstrate the ability to make connections across geology
Section: 6.1 – An Introduction to Rivers
Earth Science LO: 5.5 – Earth’s water cycles among the reservoirs of the atmosphere, streams, lakes, ocean, glaciers, groundwater, and deep interior of the planet.

4. The figure is most likely a cross section of a river
at the base level.
flowing uphill.
entering the ocean.
near its headwaters.
where a tributary enters.

5. The figure is most likely a cross section of a river
at the base level.
flowing uphill.
entering the ocean.
near its headwaters.
where a tributary enters.
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Global Sci Out: 7 Demonstrate the ability to make connections across geology
Section: 6.1 – An Introduction to Rivers
Earth Science LO: 5.6 – Water shapes landscapes.

6. Along the same river with no additions or deletions of flow, which situation has the greatest discharge?
A narrow channel at the head of a stream
A narrow channel at the base level of a stream
Not enough information to tell
A wide channel at the base level of a stream
The discharge will be the same

7. A narrow channel at the head of a stream
Along the same river with no additions or deletions of flow, which situation has the greatest discharge?
A narrow channel at the head of a stream
A narrow channel at the base level of a stream
Not enough information to tell
A wide channel at the base level of a stream
The discharge will be the same
Answer: E
Diff: 4
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 6.1 – An Introduction to Rivers
Earth Science LO: 5.6 – Water shapes landscapes.

8. The continual migration of meandering rivers is a result of
the construction of floodplains.
movement of Oxbow lakes.
faster flow on the inside and slower flow on the outside of the bend.
continual erosion of cutbanks and deposition on point bars.
the creation of pools and riffles.

9. The continual migration of meandering rivers is a result of
the construction of floodplains.
movement of Oxbow lakes.
faster flow on the inside and slower flow on the outside of the bend.
continual erosion of cutbanks and deposition on point bars.
the creation of pools and riffles.
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 6.1 – An Introduction to Rivers
Earth Science LO: 5.6 – Water shapes landscapes.

10. Which does not play a role in flooding?
The amount of humidity in the atmosphere
How quickly surface runoff reaches the river
The amount of moisture in the soil when the precipitation starts
Presence of frozen ground or accumulated snow
Rate of precipitation infiltration into the earth

11. Which does not play a role in flooding?
The amount of humidity in the atmosphere
How quickly surface runoff reaches the river
The amount of moisture in the soil when the precipitation starts
Presence of frozen ground or accumulated snow
Rate of precipitation infiltration into the earth
Answer: A
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 6.2 – Flooding
Earth Science LO: 8.1 – Natural hazards result from natural Earth processes.

12. Saying that a flood is a 100-year flood means that
it takes 100 years for a flood of this size to develop in an area.
there is a 1 percent probability that this size of flood will occur in any given year.
it will occur exactly every 100 years in a specific area.
there is no such thing as a 100-year flood, you cannot interpolate flood data that far out.
every 100 years an area may be flooded.

13. Saying that a flood is a 100-year flood means that
it takes 100 years for a flood of this size to develop in an area.
there is a 1 percent probability that this size of flood will occur in any given year.
it will occur exactly every 100 years in a specific area.
there is no such thing as a 100-year flood, you cannot interpolate flood data that far out.
every 100 years an area may be flooded.
Answer: B
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 6.2 – Flooding
Earth Science LO: 8.6 – Earth scientists are continually improving estimates of when and where natural hazards occur.

14. What distinguishes flash floods from downstream floods?
Flash floods are only common with large rivers.
Flash floods are less dangerous than downstream floods.
Flash floods are more dangerous than downstream floods.
Flash floods occur in the upper part of the basin.
Flash floods are commonly associated with long duration storms.

15. What distinguishes flash floods from downstream floods?
Flash floods are only common with large rivers.
Flash floods are less dangerous than downstream floods.
Flash floods are more dangerous than downstream floods.
Flash floods occur in the upper part of the basin.
Flash floods are commonly associated with long duration storms.
Answer: D
Diff: 4
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 6.2 – Flooding
Earth Science LO: 8.1 – Natural hazards result from natural Earth processes.

17. With the addition of levees (see figure), how does the natural floodplain change?
The floodplain area is increased.
The area of wetlands is decreased.
The floodplain does not change, there are just levees now.
The discharge increases.
The river channel remains the same.

18. The floodplain area is increased. The area of wetlands is decreased.
With the addition of levees (see figure), how does the natural floodplain change?
The floodplain area is increased.
The area of wetlands is decreased.
The floodplain does not change, there are just levees now.
The discharge increases.
The river channel remains the same.
Answer: B
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 3 Read and interpret graphs and data
Section: 6.2 – Flooding
Earth Science LO: 9.4 – Human affect the quality, availability, and distribution of Earth’s water through the modification of streams, lakes, and groundwater.

19. The figure shows the change in flood damage and flood-control expenditures over the years. What has caused these trends?
Rivers have flooded more often now than in the past.
There has been an increase in development on floodplains.
Not enough money has been spent on flood-control.
There are more rivers and streams now than in the past.
Political policies have not allowed much flood-control expenditures.

20. Rivers have flooded more often now than in the past.
The figure shows the change in flood damage and flood-control expenditures over the years. What has caused these trends?
Rivers have flooded more often now than in the past.
There has been an increase in development on floodplains.
Not enough money has been spent on flood-control.
There are more rivers and streams now than in the past.
Political policies have not allowed much flood-control expenditures.
Answer: B
Diff: 4
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 3 Read and interpret graphs and data
Section: 6.2 – Flooding
Earth Science LO: 8.3 – Human activities can contribute to the frequency and intensity of some natural hazards.

21. Which is not a factor that affects the damage caused by floods?
The time between floods
Effectiveness of forecasting, warning, and evacuation
Land use on the floodplain
Season of the year the flooding occurs
Depth and velocity of floodwaters

22. Which is not a factor that affects the damage caused by floods?
The time between floods
Effectiveness of forecasting, warning, and evacuation
Land use on the floodplain
Season of the year the flooding occurs
Depth and velocity of floodwaters
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Global Sci Out: 7 Demonstrate the ability to make connections across Geology
Section: 6.4 – Effects of Flooding and Linkages Between Floods and Other Hazards
Earth Science LO: 8.1 – Natural hazards result from natural Earth processes.
8.3 – Human activities can contribute to the frequency and intensity of some natural hazards.

23. Which is not an effect of flooding?
Damage caused by swift currents or debris
Considerable loss of soil and vegetation from erosion
Disease
Fires
Earthquake

24. Which is not an effect of flooding?
Damage caused by swift currents or debris
Considerable loss of soil and vegetation from erosion
Disease
Fires
Earthquake
Answer: E
Diff: 2
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Global Sci Out: 7 Demonstrate the ability to make connections across geology
Section: 6.4 – Effects of Flooding and Linkages Between Floods and Other Hazards
Earth Science LO: 8.1-Natural hazards result from natural Earth processes.

25. What makes flooding a natural hazard?
No levees built to protect the area
If it is a flash flood
People live or build structures on the floodplain
Flood discharge greater than 15 cubic meters per second
Flood stage over 3.5 meters

26. What makes flooding a natural hazard?
No levees built to protect the area
If it is a flash flood
People live or build structures on the floodplain
Flood discharge greater than 15 cubic meters per second
Flood stage over 3.5 meters
Answer: C
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 6.5 – Natural Service Functions of Floods
Earth Science LO: 8.3 – Human activities can contribute to the frequency and intensity of some natural hazards.

27. Which is not a natural service function of a flood?
Improve the fishing supply
Create natural fertile agricultural land
Help keep debris from accumulating
Wash away fertilizer used in farming
Move food downstream for aquatic life survival

28. Which is not a natural service function of a flood?
Improve the fishing supply
Create natural fertile agricultural land
Help keep debris from accumulating
Wash away fertilizer used in farming
Move food downstream for aquatic life survival
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 6.5 – Natural Service Functions of Floods
Earth Science LO: 5.6 – Water shapes landscapes.

29. How did the building of the Glen Canyon Dam affect the Colorado River?
Made rapids more dangerous because boulders are not naturally moved downstream.
Reduced the mean annual flood.
Disappearance of sandbars.
Growth of vegetation not previously present.
All of these are affects of the dam.

30. How did the building of the Glen Canyon Dam affect the Colorado River?
Made rapids more dangerous because boulders are not naturally moved downstream.
Reduced the mean annual flood.
Disappearance of sandbars.
Growth of vegetation not previously present.
All of these are affects of the dam.
Answer: E
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: Case Study 6.4 – Experimental Floods on the Colorado River
Earth Science LO: 9.4 – Humans affect the quality, availability, and distribution of Earth’s water through the modification of streams, lakes, and groundwater.

31. What is a problem with urbanization when it comes to flooding?
Bridges increase the flow of small streams.
The impervious surfaces can increase the frequency of low and intermediate floods.
It can increase the lag time between rainfall and runoff.
The amount of runoff is reduced.
Reduces the amount of algae in streams.

32. What is a problem with urbanization when it comes to flooding?
Bridges increase the flow of small streams.
The impervious surfaces can increase the frequency of low and intermediate floods.
It can increase the lag time between rainfall and runoff.
The amount of runoff is reduced.
Reduces the amount of algae in streams.
Answer: B
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 6.6 – Human Interaction with Flooding
Earth Science LO: 8.3 – Human activities can contribute to the frequency and intensity of some natural hazards.

33. Which is not a way that humans can increase the frequency and magnitude of flooding?
Generate more erosion from creation of cropland from forests
Build storm sewers to carry runoff to streams
Create more green spaces in a city
Build of low bridges with supports that are close together
Paving almost everything in a city (roads, sidewalks, etc.)

34. Generate more erosion from creation of cropland from forests
Which is not a way that humans can increase the frequency and magnitude of flooding?
Generate more erosion from creation of cropland from forests
Build storm sewers to carry runoff to streams
Create more green spaces in a city
Build of low bridges with supports that are close together
Paving almost everything in a city (roads, sidewalks, etc.)
Answer: C
Diff: 4
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 6.6 – Human Interaction with Flooding
Earth Science LO: 8.3 – Human activities can contribute to the frequency and intensity of some natural hazards.

35. Which is not a way we have tried to minimize flood hazards?
Building levees and flood walls
National adoption of strong floodplain regulation policies
Straightening the river channel
Building on-site storm water retention basins
Widening the river channel

36. Which is not a way we have tried to minimize flood hazards?
Building levees and flood walls
National adoption of strong floodplain regulation policies
Straightening the river channel
Building on-site storm water retention basins
Widening the river channel
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Global Sci Out: 7 Demonstrate the ability to make connections across geology
Section: 6.7 – Minimizing the Flood Hazard
Earth Science LO: 8.7 – Humans cannot eliminate hazards, but can engage in activities that reduce their impacts.

37. What is a major problem with flood-control measures?
There is not enough land to build them
They never work to control the flooding
They take away land for new development
They tend to encourage more people to move into the floodplain
They create a scenic eye-sore so no one wants to live there

38. What is a major problem with flood-control measures?
There is not enough land to build them
They never work to control the flooding
They take away land for new development
They tend to encourage more people to move into the floodplain
They create a scenic eye-sore so no one wants to live there
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 6.7 – Minimizing the Flood Hazard
Earth Science LO: 8.3 – Human activities can contribute to the frequency and intensity of some natural hazards.

39. Which is not an argument by opponents of natural stream modification?
Cutting trees increases the aesthetics by permitting better views of the stream
Straightening or modifying the streambed can affect peak flow
Cutting tress eliminates shade important for aquatic life
Draining wetlands can eliminate habitats for some animal species
Converting a stream from meandering to straight, ruins the aesthetics

40. Which is not an argument by opponents of natural stream modification?
Cutting trees increases the aesthetics by permitting better views of the stream
Straightening or modifying the streambed can affect peak flow
Cutting tress eliminates shade important for aquatic life
Draining wetlands can eliminate habitats for some animal species
Converting a stream from meandering to straight, ruins the aesthetics
Answer: A
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 6.7 – Minimizing the Flood Hazard
Earth Science LO: 9.4 – Humans affect the quality, availability, and distribution of Earth’s water through the modification of streams, lakes, and groundwater.

41. What is a difference seen between a natural stream and a channelized stream?
A channelized stream will have less riffles because there are no curves to create them.
A natural stream will experience higher temperature changes since it is not exposed to the sun all day.
A channelized stream allows for more aquatic life because there are few if any large rocks to take up space.
A channelized stream will maintain a more consistent water depth throughout the year since its streambed is more level.
A natural stream has a more diverse aquatic life since there are varying water velocities.

42. What is a difference seen between a natural stream and a channelized stream?
A channelized stream will have less riffles because there are no curves to create them.
A natural stream will experience higher temperature changes since it is not exposed to the sun all day.
A channelized stream allows for more aquatic life because there are few if any large rocks to take up space.
A channelized stream will maintain a more consistent water depth throughout the year since its streambed is more level.
A natural stream has a more diverse aquatic life since there are varying water velocities.
Answer: E
Diff: 4
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 6.7 – Minimizing the Flood Hazard
Earth Science LO: 9.4 – Humans affect the quality, availability, and distribution of Earth’s water through the modification of streams, lakes, and groundwater.

44. The figure shows a zoning map before and after the implementation of flood regulations. What is most likely not a reason for the regulations?
Reduce the loss of lives and property damage during an annual flood
Could eliminate the need for other flood control measures
Return the much sought after land to the government for their own development
Removes development from areas most prone to flooding
Restores the natural stream environment

45. Reduce the loss of lives and property damage during an annual flood
The figure shows a zoning map before and after the implementation of flood regulations. What is most likely not a reason for the regulations?
Reduce the loss of lives and property damage during an annual flood
Could eliminate the need for other flood control measures
Return the much sought after land to the government for their own development
Removes development from areas most prone to flooding
Restores the natural stream environment
Answer: C
Diff: 3
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Global Sci Out: 2 Demonstrate the ability to think critically and employ critical thinking skills
Section: 6.8 – Perception of and Adjustment to the Flood Hazard
Earth Science LO: 8.8 – An Earth-science-literate public is essential for reducing risks from natural hazards.