Earth Science Chapter 3 Study Guide

Test DateOver Vocabulary ______

Test Date Over Entire Study Guide______

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  1. Know the definitions of the vocabulary words listed on page 90 in textbook.
  1. barrier island-an island near the shore, formed by currents that deposit sediments
  1. beach nourishment-the practice of dumping sand onto an eroded beach
  1. contour plowing-the practice of plowing soil in curved rows that follow the shape of the land
  1. dam-a wall across the river or other waterway, designed to hold back the water
  1. dredging-deepening or widening, typically to a river or harbor
  1. flood-an event in which water flows over land that is usually dry
  1. floodway-a path for flood waters to flow over
  1. jetty-a thin, narrow wall built from the shoreline into the ocean
  1. levee-a wall along the banks of a river or lake, designed to prevent flooding
  1. reservoir-an artificial lake, used to hold water for future use and to control floods
  1. sea wall-a tall wall built along the rear edge of a beach, designed to prevent erosion
  1. soil-a natural resource that is made up of minerals, small rocks, water, gases, and organic matter
  1. storm drain-a system of pipes or channels that carry away water from storms
  1. subsoil-the soil layer just below the topsoil; less rich than topsoil
  1. terrace farming-the practice of planting crops in leveled sections along a hillside
  1. topsoil-the surface layer of soil that is rich in humus and nutrients
  1. What are three ways that floods can form?

Floods can form from heavy rainfall from hurricanes or other storms, repeated rainfall over several days, and the overflowing of rivers and lakes.

  1. How can heavy rains in one place lead to flooding far away?

Rainwater can flow as runoff into streams and rivers, which may carry the water a great distance, and then cause flooding.

  1. How do swamps, estuaries, and other wetlands help to control floods?

They soak up excess water that otherwise would flow as runoff.

  1. Name four structures that help control floods.

Storm drains, levees, dams and reservoirs, floodways

  1. What happens when a dam or levee fails?

Huge amounts of water can rush through the broken dam or levee, causing terrible flooding and great damage.

  1. How do beaches form?

Rivers carry sediments to the ocean, waves deposit the sediment on land.

  1. What events can change a beach from day to day?

Windcan blow beach sand, while ocean waves and tides may both deposit new sand and erode sand away.

  1. Name three events that may cause beach erosion?

Building a dam, dredging a harbor, building a jetty

  1. How might a dam on a river change ocean beaches near the mouth of a river?

The dam may block the flow of sediments into the ocean. Beaches near the river’s mouth may erode.

  1. What are three ways to slow or stop beach erosion?

Beach nourishment, building a sea wall, or leaving a beach free from development

  1. What is global warming?

Global warming is the gradual increase of Earth’s average temperature.

  1. How could global warming affect ocean shorelines?

Melting of ice and snow in polar regions could cause ocean levels to rise, which could lead to beach erosion.

  1. Why is it in everyone’s interest to protect topsoil?

Healthy topsoil yields healthy crops that support the economy and provide food.

  1. Name three ways farmers can protect topsoil.

Contour plowing, planting cover crops and wind breaks, and terrace farming