North Dakota Rivers & Water Quiz
Red River, Missouri basin, lakes (10 questions).
North Dakota Rivers & Water Quiz: Quick Study Notes
North Dakota’s diverse hydrology, shaped by glacial history, features two major river systems: the northward-flowing Red River of the North and the mighty Missouri River, along with unique lakes like Lake Sakakawea and Devils Lake. This quiz tests your knowledge of these essential waterways that define the state’s geography and history.
Key Waterways Overview
Forms ND’s eastern border with Minnesota, flowing north into Lake Winnipeg. Known for its extremely flat, fertile valley – a remnant of glacial Lake Agassiz.
Dominant river in western North Dakota, it’s a major tributary of the Mississippi River system. Vital for agriculture, power generation, and recreation in the state.
North Dakota’s largest artificial lake, created by the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River. A key source of hydroelectric power, flood control, and a popular recreational area.
The largest natural lake entirely within North Dakota. It’s an endorheic basin, meaning it has no natural outlet, leading to significant fluctuations in its water levels and size.
Key Takeaways
- The Red River of the North flows northward, forming North Dakota’s eastern border with Minnesota.
- The Red River Valley is a flat, fertile plain, once the bed of glacial Lake Agassiz.
- The Missouri River is the primary river in western North Dakota, a major tributary of the Mississippi.
- Garrison Dam on the Missouri River created Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota’s largest artificial lake.
- Lake Sakakawea provides hydroelectric power, flood control, and recreation.
- Devils Lake is an endorheic basin, meaning it has no natural outflow, leading to variable water levels.
- Understanding North Dakota’s water resources is crucial for its agriculture, wildlife, and economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is unique about the flow direction of the Red River of the North?
The Red River of the North is one of the few rivers in the world that flows northward. It drains into Lake Winnipeg, which eventually flows into Hudson Bay.
Why is the Red River Valley prone to flooding?
The Red River Valley is exceptionally flat, being the bed of ancient glacial Lake Agassiz. This flat topography, combined with a northward flow (where southern ice melts before northern ice, creating ice dams), contributes to severe flooding.
What is the significance of the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River?
The Garrison Dam is one of the largest earthen dams in the world. It created Lake Sakakawea, which provides flood control, hydroelectric power, irrigation, recreation, and a stable water supply for various uses in North Dakota.
How does Devils Lake differ from other major lakes in North Dakota?
Devils Lake is North Dakota’s largest natural lake and is an endorheic basin, meaning it has no natural outlet. Its water levels fluctuate dramatically based on precipitation and evaporation, leading to significant changes in its size and depth over time.
Which major river basin covers most of western North Dakota?
Most of western North Dakota is part of the Missouri River basin, which is itself a major sub-basin of the larger Mississippi River System. This basin includes the Missouri River itself and its tributaries like the Heart, Knife, Cannonball, and Little Missouri rivers.
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