Question

The water cycle affects the composition of soil.

A student and family plan a trip to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DEWA). Before leaving on the trip, the student researches DEWA and finds that a “water gap” refers to an area where a river cuts through a mountain. The location of the recreation area with a cut-away image of the Delaware Water Gap is shown in Figure 1.

A map titled, Figure 1. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Water Gap. The map shows Pennsylvania and New Jersey with the Delaware River going through it. There is a square labeled DEWA that has a magnified image of the area.

Table 1 shows the percentages of the minerals quartz and gypsum in samples from five collection sites. Site 1 is north of the DEWA. Sites 2–5 are south of the DEWA, with Sites 4 and 5 being located near the city of Trenton.

Table 1. Percentages of Minerals

Site Quartz (%) Gypsum (%)
1 0.00 0.00
2 8.56 0.67
3 35.08 1.01
4 and 5 Average 45.16 1.33


Based on this information, the student claims that the results of erosion caused by the Delaware River will be greatest near Trenton. Which two pieces of evidence best support the student’s claim?

Select two of the five statements.

A.
Sites 1–3 had lower percentages of gypsum than of quartz.

B.
Trenton is closer to the Delaware Water Gap than the other sites.

C.
Trenton is a larger city than the other sites, which may cause a greater amount of erosion.

D.
The data show higher percentages of gypsum and quartz the closer the samples are to Trenton.

E.
Trenton lies downstream of the DEWA, where sediments from erosion may exist in greater amounts.

Answer 1

D and E

- D: The mineral percentages increase in samples closer to Trenton (sites 4–5 average higher quartz and gypsum), supporting greater erosion there.
- E: Trenton is downstream of DEWA, so sediments from upstream erosion would accumulate there.