Utah Rivers & Water Quiz
Colorado basin, Great Salt Lake, watersheds (10 questions).
Utah Rivers & Water Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Utah’s diverse geography presents a fascinating water story, dominated by two major hydrological systems: the Great Basin and the vast Colorado River Basin. This quiz explores the crucial rivers that sustain its arid landscapes and the unique characteristics of its most iconic natural feature, the Great Salt Lake. Understanding these water resources is key to appreciating Utah’s environment and development.
Key Concepts
Home to major tributaries like the Green River, a lifeline for eastern and southern Utah. Water allocation is governed by the historic Colorado River Compact, vital for multiple states.
A unique terminal, hypersaline lake with no outlet, fed by the Bear, Weber, and Jordan rivers. Its size fluctuates dramatically with precipitation and water diversions, influencing local ecology and climate.
The state is divided by the Great Basin Divide, separating internal drainage (like the GSL) from external drainage that flows to the Pacific Ocean via the Colorado River.
Utah operates under the doctrine of prior appropriation, “first in time, first in right,” for water rights, a critical principle in its arid climate. This governs both surface and groundwater use.
Key Takeaways
- Utah’s water resources are divided between the Great Basin and the Colorado River Basin.
- The Green River is a primary tributary of the Colorado River flowing through Utah.
- The Great Salt Lake is a terminal, hypersaline lake with no outlet, fed mainly by the Bear, Weber, and Jordan Rivers.
- Water levels in the Great Salt Lake are highly dependent on regional precipitation and snowpack.
- The Colorado River Compact of 1922 allocates water rights among basin states, including Utah.
- Utah’s water rights are primarily managed under the doctrine of prior appropriation.
- The Jordan River connects Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two primary drainage basins in Utah?
Utah is primarily divided into two major drainage basins: the Great Basin, an endorheic basin whose waters do not reach the ocean, and the Colorado River Basin, an exorheic basin whose waters flow towards the Pacific Ocean.
Which major rivers feed the Great Salt Lake?
The Great Salt Lake is primarily fed by three major rivers: the Bear River, the Weber River, and the Jordan River. The Jordan River itself flows north from Utah Lake.
Why is the Great Salt Lake so salty?
The Great Salt Lake is hypersaline because it is a terminal lake, meaning it has no outlet. Water flows in, bringing dissolved minerals and salts, but only leaves through evaporation, concentrating the salts over time.
What is the significance of the Colorado River Compact for Utah?
The Colorado River Compact of 1922 is a foundational agreement that allocates the waters of the Colorado River among the seven U.S. states in its basin. For Utah, as an Upper Basin state, it defines the amount of water it is entitled to for agricultural, municipal, and industrial uses, crucial for its development.
What is the doctrine of “prior appropriation” in Utah water law?
The doctrine of prior appropriation is the prevailing water rights system in Utah and other arid Western states. It follows the principle of ‘first in time, first in right,’ meaning that the first person to divert and put water to beneficial use acquires a right to continue that use, ahead of later users.
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