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Chapter 13 (Running Water)
Question 4. The meandering White River in Arkansas is a tributary of the Mississippi
River. In this aerial view, the color of the river is brown,
what part of the stream’s load
gives it this color? If a channel were created across the narrow neck of land shown by the
arrow,
how would the river’s gradient change? How would the flow velocity be affected by
the formation of such a channel?
The color of the river is a result of suspended sediment. The
river would have a steeper gradient if a channel were created across the narrow neck as it would
have a shorter path to the sea. The velocity of the river would slow down due to the straight
channel.
Question 8. Building a dam is one method of regulating the flow of a river to control
flooding. Dams and their reservoirs may also provide recreational opportunities and water
for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
A.
When a dam is built, how will the behavior of the stream likely change upstream
from the reservoir?
The width of the stream increases due to accumulation on the lower side
B.
Given enough time, how might the reservoir change?
It can decrease the volume of the reservoir.
C.
What are some possible environmental impacts of building a dam on a larger river?
Large dams can cause damage to river ecosystems.
Chapter 14 (Ground Water)
