1. Which of the following renewable energy sources is not used to produce electricity?
solar heating
geothermal
biomass conversion
photovoltaics
2. Which of the following statements about geothermal energy is false?
Geothermal energy is typically associated with volcanism.
Geothermal energy is used to heat greenhouses for the production of produce in Iceland.
Geothermal energy is used increasingly in the United States in areas that are geologically active.
The most common environmental hazard associated with this resource is increasing levels of atmospheric CO2.
3. Which of the following best describes groundwater?
water flowing through permeable rocks and sediments
water found in lakes and rivers
water moving from precipitation over the ground to rivers and lakes
water found above the water table
4. Which of the following is the most effective way to reduce flood-related damage?
creating exposed, barren hillsides by clear cutting woodlands
constructing new buildings
building expensive levees
restricting development on flood plains
5. Excessive removal of groundwater can result in:
rising water tables
sinkhole formation.
groundwater desalinization
increased discharge to streams
6. Which of the following countries does NOT face significant water supply challenges?
United States
Iraq
China
None; all of these countries face water supply challenges
7. Humus is composed of:
weathered rocks
fresh leaf litter
iron and aluminum compounds
decomposed organic matter
8. Which of the following statements about minerals in soil is true?
There are only two mineral ions, potassium and magnesium, that are essential for plant growth.
Negatively charged mineral ions are often washed out of the root zone.
Clay minerals are usually positively charged.
Clay particles may "hold" mineral ions in the soil and prevent their use by plants
9. Soil erosion
may result in decreased water quality for fishes and other aquatic organisms.
does not reduce the fertility of the soil, just the quantity.
is exclusively linked to human activities
is not affected by the extent of plant cover.
10. Which of the following is an example of a mineral?
bronze
rock
copper
petroleum