Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

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What is thermal pollution primarily caused by?

Excessive rainfall
Factories dumping water at high temperatures
Development of urban areas
Natural geothermal sources

The correct answer is: Factories dumping water at high temperatures

Thermal pollution is primarily caused by factories dumping water at high temperatures into natural water bodies. This practice occurs when industrial processes use water for cooling and then discharge the heated water back into rivers, lakes, or oceans. The elevated temperatures can disrupt the ecosystem, affecting aquatic life by decreasing oxygen levels and altering species composition. In contrast, excessive rainfall does not directly relate to the introduction of heat into water systems, but rather influences water levels and flow. The development of urban areas might lead to increased runoff and habitat alteration but is not a direct cause of thermal pollution. Natural geothermal sources can contribute heat to water bodies as well, but they are part of natural processes rather than human-induced factors contributing to thermal pollution on a larger scale.