Why has the Colorado River become an environmental issue?
(1 point)
Responses
Frequent flooding threatens endangered habitats in the Rocky Mountains.
Frequent flooding threatens endangered habitats in the Rocky Mountains.
Oil spills have polluted the river and threatened many species.
Oil spills have polluted the river and threatened many species.
Irrigation has severely reduced the flow of water.
Irrigation has severely reduced the flow of water.
River levels are rising rapidly as a result of climate change.
River levels are rising rapidly as a result of climate change.
Irrigation has severely reduced the flow of water.
Oil spills have polluted the river and threatened many species.
Irrigation has severely reduced the flow of water.
The correct answer is: Irrigation has severely reduced the flow of water.
The Colorado River has become an environmental issue primarily because of the widespread use of water for irrigation. To find this answer, one needs to understand the major factors contributing to the environmental concerns surrounding the river.
To address this, one can start by researching the various factors affecting the Colorado River. These could include but are not limited to: floods, oil spills, irrigation, and climate change. In this case, after examining the options, it becomes clear that frequent flooding, oil spills, and rising river levels are not the main issues mentioned in the question. This leaves us with irrigation as the most suitable choice.
Irrigation has indeed been a major factor in reducing the flow of water in the Colorado River. The river has historically been used as a source of water for irrigation in agricultural regions throughout the southwestern United States. However, due to the high demand for water and the extensive network of dams and reservoirs built along the river, the flow of water has been drastically reduced, leading to ecological imbalances and environmental concerns.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that irrigation has severely reduced the flow of water in the Colorado River, making it an environmental issue.