SWITC Spring Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What does the term 'channel' refer to in a hydrological context?
• What is the purpose of floodplain reconstruction along overincised streams?
• What type of stream is characterized as losing?
• What happens when an agricultural operation converts to non-agricultural?
• What is a characteristic of valley type II?
• Who is responsible for determining the waters of the state?
• What role do headwater streams play in regards to pollution?
• What is a primary goal of implementing buffer rules in watersheds?
• What is a common appearance of algae in streams?
• What is the moderate sinuosity ratio range?
• What is a unique characteristic of Ironoquia compared to other caddisflies?
• What is a riparian buffer primarily characterized by?
• What type of environmental restoration aims to create a natural flow in rivers?
• What methods can effectively remove or store nitrate in the environment?
• What is the role of the hyporheic zone in stream ecology?
• At what point do buffers typically begin?
• What does "deemed allowable/exempt" signify regarding buffer usage?
• What is the function of grade control in a stream?
• What does sinuosity measure in a stream?
• What is the maximum load that can be transported for a given discharge called?
• What is the process known as when ammonium is converted to nitrate in soils?
• What primary benefit does the buffer program offer to downstream estuaries and lakes?
• What must a buffer authorization review demonstrate?
• What type of growth is commonly observed with periphyton?
• When does the bankfull stage typically occur?
• Which of the following would not be an indicator of floodplain presence?
• Which of the following is a requirement for tree cutting in Zone 1 (0-10 ft)?
• What is a distinctive feature of stoneflies?
• What does a strong sinuosity ratio indicate about a stream's characteristics?
• Which of the following is included in the definition of Waters of the State?
• What does a transition refer to in the context of water bodies?
• During which geological periods are intermittent streams expected to have maximum flow?
• In which location do buffers apply specifically to perennial features?
• How wide are buffers in Goose Creek if located in the 100-year floodplain?
• What is the importance of dispersed/diffuse flow in stormwater management?
• What aspect of stream flow is typically associated with pool areas?
• Which watersheds require dispersed flow of stormwater?
• How are streams classified based on their connection to groundwater?
• What is one option if no credits are available for buffer mitigation?
• Which sinuosity ratio would be classified as weak?
• In Randleman, what is the required mitigation ratio for Zone 2?
• What is the designated width for the first zone of buffers?
• What symbolizes organic drift lines on floodplains?
• What is the ideal angle to evaluate soil in the field?
• What condition is assessed when determining stream health?
• Which is a biological indicator of a perennial stream?
• How is an intermittent stream defined?
• Which of the following organisms has gills located internally?
• What indicates that a stream is experiencing base flow?
• What distinguishes a losing stream from a gaining stream?
• Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of caddisflies?
• Under what condition can grading and re-vegetation occur in buffer zone 2?
• What constitutes a change of use in a buffer zone?
• What distinguishes modified natural streams from ditches?
• Which source of stream flow is responsible for forming and shaping channels?
• What defines stream structure by gradient?
• What is the definition of "normal rainfall" used for buffer purposes?
• Which of the following statements about buffers is true?
• What does the term thalweg refer to?
• What is classified as a floodplain?
• What visual characteristic can iron-oxidizing bacteria display?
• Is a permit necessary for harvesting silviculture?
• In which buffer program would you find efforts focused on protecting the Carolinas' freshwater biodiversity?
• How is a delta bar formed?
• What is meant by the term substrate in a river system?
• Which factors impact sediment transport in streams?
• What is the definition of riparian?
• What is a primary consequence of poor nutrient management in agriculture?
• What is the typical distance of buffering needed to effectively remove most sediment and phosphorus?
• Which three major components are evaluated in stream function methodology?
• What is a mid-channel bar?
• What is the minimum score for intermittent streams?
• How many questions are included on the stream ID form?
• What defines gradual coastal plain stream origins?
• What are the Neuse River mitigation ratios?
• What is the maximum civil penalty for buffer violations imposed by DWR?
• What characteristic is seen in damselflies when they crawl?
• What role do vegetation in buffer zones play in nitrate removal?
• Which indicators indicate a strong presence on a floodplain?
• What do caddisfly larvae typically do to survive?
• What characterizes an allowable with exception activity?
• What is the denitrification process that occurs in anaerobic soil zones?
• What term describes the gradual transition from wetlands to streams?
• Presence of sediment on plants is an indicator of what?
• What is the maximum score for ephemeral streams?
• How does the Strahler stream order system categorize streams?
• What is the primary purpose of the buffer program protecting Jordan Lake?
• Which feature is considered a depositional feature inside a meander bend?
• What is the standard width of buffers excluding Goose Creek?
• What describes the existing use buffers?
• Which contaminant is considered the most concerning for surface runoff and why?
• What is the primary contaminant of concern in groundwater and what is the reasoning behind it?
• What certification can staff from agencies other than DWR, NCFS, or local governments receive after completing the SWITC course?
• What might suggest a weak sinuosity in a stream?
• Which of the following is a key feature of a mayfly?
• Which of the following ratios would indicate an absent sinuosity?
• If a stream has a sinuosity ratio between 1.2-1.4, how would it be classified?
• What is a characteristic of coastal plain stream origins?
• Which indicator signifies reducing conditions in soil color?
• What must be in place if mitigation is necessary for authorized actions?
• What happens to pollutants in an unbuffered agricultural landscape?
• What is a head cut in stream terminology?
• Which group of insects are considered perennial indicators?
• Which process occurs in aerobic soil zones that affects nitrogen?
• What is the mitigation ratio for Zone 1 in Randleman?
• Which of the following best describes a pool in a stream?
• What led to the establishment of the first buffer rules in North Carolina?
• Which term refers to zones or splotches of color much higher than the matrix in soil?
• What percentage of land in the humid US drains to headwaters?
• How does denitrification improve water quality?
• Which of the following describes a gaining stream?
• What impact does the sinuosity of a stream have?
• What is a riffle in a stream environment?
• What factor contributes to benthos being easily collected?
• How long should you wait after rainfall to evaluate a stream?
• What is a characteristic of water entering a stream under ideal conditions?
• What resource provides information about buffers in Neuse/Tar-Pam/Goose Creek?
• What is the infiltration potential of water entering a stream in an urban landscape?
• Can stream determination differ from the score given?
• How do dragonflies typically move in water?
• What is the mitigation ratio for Catawba in Zone 1?
• What characteristic defines a bar in a stream?
• What is the scope of a Forest Practice Guideline (FPG)?
• If groundwater flow is significantly below the root zone, what is likely to occur regarding nitrate?
• What kind of determinations are made regarding waters subject to buffer rules?
• What are fluvial processes primarily associated with?
• Where do buffers apply specifically in the Catawba watershed?
• In Catawba, what is the mitigation ratio for Zone 2?
• What happens to the velocity of water in the thalweg of a river?
• What is the definition of aggradation in relation to streams?
• What role can volunteer local governments play in buffer rule implementation?
• What is a distinguishing feature of damselflies?
• What is the recommended evaluation reach to limit inaccuracies?
• What is the duration for the Authority to review buffer authorizations?
• What is needed to generate sediment transportation in a stream?
• What is the first option for buffer mitigation?
• Which water bodies are eligible for buffering?
• What specific determination can NC Forestry Service staff make after passing SWITC?
• What is a unique characteristic of dragonflies?
• What is a headwater stream?
• What sinuosity condition is classified as absent?
• Why are buffers effective in removing nitrate from runoff?
• Which feature is characteristic of winter stoneflies?
• What is a defining feature of a perennial stream?
• What do buffers help protect in aquatic environments?
• In a topographic map, what does the "v" symbol indicate?
• What is required for an action to be permissible upon authorization?
• Under what specific conditions is nitrogen removal maximized in soil?
• What is typical for piedmont stream origins?
• How do buffers contribute to the removal of phosphorus from surface runoff?
• What is a key feature of benthic macroinvertebrates that indicates the health of a stream?
• What is a lateral bar in a river system?
• What characterizes the hyporheic zone?
• What sinuosity ratio is considered strong?
• Which watershed is designated for the recovery of the endangered Carolina Heelsplitter mussel?
• What percentage of sandy soils is coated with organic matter?
• When is a use status deemed allowable?
• What authority do designated local government staff gain from passing the SWITC course?
• What scale is used to score primary indicators in stream assessments?
• What scale is used to score secondary indicators?
• Which of the following defines a stream?
• How does water entering a stream appear in an unbuffered agricultural landscape?
• What is one characteristic of intermittent streams?
• Which of the following is essential for nitrate removal in buffers?
• Which of the following represents a prohibited use status?
• Under what circumstances would the Division of Water Resources enforce buffer rules?
• How does shading benefit the aquatic environment?
• Which type of soil is most likely described as having a chroma of 1-2?
• How do alluvial deposits compare with bars or benches in streams?
• What can be done in response to buffer violations?
• Which type of gills do Ironoquia have compared to other caddisflies?
• Which of the following statements about headwaters is true?
• What is primarily transported by streams as part of their load?
• What type of texture is associated with muck in minerals?
• Which scenario indicates a prohibited action?
• What is one of the main benefits of having a grass filter as a buffer?
• During which season are intermittent streams generally full of water?
• Which of the following is NOT a function of riparian buffers?
• What is the expected condition of buffer rules?
• How much of the stream energy is used for erosive processes?
• Are wetland areas included in stream buffer mitigation areas?
• What are the two main sources of stream flow?
• What condition indicates a high water table in soil?
• What percentage of stream energy is primarily used to overcome friction?
• What best describes the concept of best management practices in buffer reviews?
• Which term describes the flow of water in a river channel that is below the bankfull stage?
• Which process is inhibited by shading in an aquatic environment?
• What is the guideline for tree cutting within 10-30 feet from a stream in harvest Zone 2?
• Which of the following statements reflects the process of seeking buffer authorization?
• What does stream transport competence refer to?
• What new responsibilities do DWR staff acquire after completing the SWITC course?
• How are transitions significant in environmental regulation?
• What happens during the bankfull stage of a river?
• Why are benthos considered excellent indicators of stream flow?
• Which organizations are responsible for implementing buffer rules?
• In an urban landscape, how does runoff typically enter streams?
• What are the Tar Pam mitigation ratios?
• What kind of flow does stormflow consist of?
• What do forest services use instead of traditional buffer zones?
• What does allowable with mitigation upon authorization indicate?
• What characterizes an ephemeral stream?
• Which watershed requires diffuse flow of stormwater?
• What differentiates a major exception from a minor exception?
• What happens if buffer authorizations are not addressed within the given time frame?
• What does stream load include?
• What is the mitigation ratio for Zone 1 in Jordan?
• For which type of features are buffers required in Randleman Lake?
• What characterizes the origin of regulated areas?
• What type of areas typically exhibit higher velocity flow in streams?
• Who issues variances for prohibited activities?
• How does valley type II differ from valley type VIII?
• What defines the stream transport capacity in rivers and streams?
• Which watershed programs are primarily aimed at reducing nutrient loads in downstream estuaries or lakes?
• According to Goose Creek mitigation ratios, what is the ratio in the whole buffer?
• What distinguishes a left snail from a right snail based on their indicators?
• What is required for a major exception exceeding 1/3 acre?
• What are depletions in soil color indicators?