Great Basin Rivers Quiz
Endorheic basins, intermittent flow, key rivers (10 questions).
Great Basin Rivers Quiz: Quick Study Notes
The Great Basin is a vast, arid region known for its unique hydrology, characterized by endorheic basins where rivers and streams flow inland without reaching the ocean. This quiz explores the fascinating water systems of this region, focusing on the intermittent nature of its rivers and the significant roles of key waterways like the Bear, Humboldt, Truckee, and Owens rivers. Understanding these features is crucial for appreciating the geography and ecology of one of North America’s most distinctive landscapes.
Key Concepts
Closed drainage systems with no outlet to the sea, leading to terminal lakes.
Rivers that only flow seasonally or after precipitation, common in arid regions.
Examples include Bear, Humboldt, Truckee, and Owens Rivers, vital for local ecosystems and human settlements.
Terminal lakes like Great Salt Lake, Pyramid Lake, and Walker Lake become highly concentrated with salts due to evaporation.
Key Takeaways
- The Great Basin is the largest endorheic watershed in North America.
- Endorheic rivers drain internally, often terminating in salt lakes or drying up.
- Intermittent flow is a defining characteristic, driven by limited, seasonal precipitation (snowmelt, rain).
- Key rivers like the Humboldt and Truckee are critical for the region’s ecology and human history.
- Water diversions, particularly from the Owens River, have significantly impacted the region’s hydrology and land use.
- Terminal lakes in the Great Basin are often highly saline due to accumulated minerals and high evaporation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an endorheic basin?
An endorheic basin is a closed drainage basin that retains water and does not allow outflow to other external bodies of water, such as oceans or seas.
Why do Great Basin rivers often have intermittent flow?
Rivers in the Great Basin exhibit intermittent flow primarily due to the region’s arid climate, low annual precipitation, and high evaporation rates, meaning they only flow during certain seasons (e.g., spring snowmelt) or after heavy rainfall.
Name some major rivers in the Great Basin.
Prominent rivers in the Great Basin include the Bear River (flowing into Great Salt Lake), the Humboldt River (Nevada’s longest river entirely within the basin), the Truckee River (feeding Pyramid Lake), and the Owens River (historically diverted to Los Angeles).
What happens to water in an endorheic basin?
Water in an endorheic basin either evaporates, seeps into the ground, or collects in a terminal lake, often leading to increased salinity in these lakes as minerals accumulate.
How has human activity impacted Great Basin rivers?
Human activities, particularly water diversion for agriculture and urban use (like the Owens Valley aqueduct for Los Angeles), have significantly altered the flow regimes and water levels of many Great Basin rivers and lakes.
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