Introduction
1. Why would a dam be placed in a river? What are the benefits?
A dam would be placed on a river to store water, usually used for irrigation purposes. It could be a power generator, and could prevent flooding.
2. Why could the western US never look like the eastern US in terms of plant coverage?
There is a lot more rainfall in the east, a drought lasting only three weeks would terrorize an eastern farmer, whereas a drought of five months would be considered normal to a western farmer.
3. Define the term “parts per million”.
Parts per million is a way to measure the mass of a chemical per unit volume of water.
4. Why would Mexico be upset with the US about water? Be specific.
The US’s water with a salinity content of 1500 parts per million flowed into the most important agricultural region of Mexico, which would slowly kill all their fields.
5. What are some salts found in natural water other than sodium chloride (NaCl, table salt)?
Salts such as sodium carbonate and bicarbonate can be found in natural water, as well as potassium and magnesium.
Chapter 1
1. What were some early impressions of the Grand Canyon and the American West by Pike and the Spaniards of Coronado’s expedition?
They thought the vast plains of the American West might become as celebrated at the sandy African deserts.
2. What was the major export from the west that Colter noticed?
Colter noticed a plenitude of beaver.
3. How might the presence of beaver change a watershed?
Beavers are an important part of a healthy watershed because beaver dams soak up flood water and help prevent erosion.
4. What is an aquaduct?
An aquaduct is a man made channel used to move water from one place to another.
5. Why would a dam change the size of rapids in a river?
A dam would change the size of rapids in a river because a dam being formed doesn’t stop a river so much as “make it mad.” When the river becomes more violent, especially when large rocks from the canyons fall in, rapids can become extremely big.
List one surprising thing you learned in the introduction or chapter 1.
Within a few years of Pike’s arrival, the beavers in the Rocky Mountains began to thin out, I didn’t think that a population of animal could become sparse so quickly.
List and define at least 8 new vocabulary words you picked up while reading this text.
Basin- A bowl for washing, typically attached to a wall and having faucets connected to a water supply.
Ultramontane- Advocating supreme authority in matters of faith and discipline.
Travelogue- A movie, book, or illustrated lecture about the places visited and experiences encountered by a traveler.
Garroted-To kill someone by strangulation.
Eviscerated- To disembowel someone.
Rendezvous- A meeting at an agreed time and place.
Indefatigable- Persisting tirelessly.
Itinerant- Traveling from place to place.
1. Why would a dam be placed in a river? What are the benefits?
A dam would be placed on a river to store water, usually used for irrigation purposes. It could be a power generator, and could prevent flooding.
2. Why could the western US never look like the eastern US in terms of plant coverage?
There is a lot more rainfall in the east, a drought lasting only three weeks would terrorize an eastern farmer, whereas a drought of five months would be considered normal to a western farmer.
3. Define the term “parts per million”.
Parts per million is a way to measure the mass of a chemical per unit volume of water.
4. Why would Mexico be upset with the US about water? Be specific.
The US’s water with a salinity content of 1500 parts per million flowed into the most important agricultural region of Mexico, which would slowly kill all their fields.
5. What are some salts found in natural water other than sodium chloride (NaCl, table salt)?
Salts such as sodium carbonate and bicarbonate can be found in natural water, as well as potassium and magnesium.
Chapter 1
1. What were some early impressions of the Grand Canyon and the American West by Pike and the Spaniards of Coronado’s expedition?
They thought the vast plains of the American West might become as celebrated at the sandy African deserts.
2. What was the major export from the west that Colter noticed?
Colter noticed a plenitude of beaver.
3. How might the presence of beaver change a watershed?
Beavers are an important part of a healthy watershed because beaver dams soak up flood water and help prevent erosion.
4. What is an aquaduct?
An aquaduct is a man made channel used to move water from one place to another.
5. Why would a dam change the size of rapids in a river?
A dam would change the size of rapids in a river because a dam being formed doesn’t stop a river so much as “make it mad.” When the river becomes more violent, especially when large rocks from the canyons fall in, rapids can become extremely big.
List one surprising thing you learned in the introduction or chapter 1.
Within a few years of Pike’s arrival, the beavers in the Rocky Mountains began to thin out, I didn’t think that a population of animal could become sparse so quickly.
List and define at least 8 new vocabulary words you picked up while reading this text.
Basin- A bowl for washing, typically attached to a wall and having faucets connected to a water supply.
Ultramontane- Advocating supreme authority in matters of faith and discipline.
Travelogue- A movie, book, or illustrated lecture about the places visited and experiences encountered by a traveler.
Garroted-To kill someone by strangulation.
Eviscerated- To disembowel someone.
Rendezvous- A meeting at an agreed time and place.
Indefatigable- Persisting tirelessly.
Itinerant- Traveling from place to place.