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Corte Madera Creek (Marin County) Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Corte Madera Creek Watershed: Geography, History, and Ecology

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Corte Madera Creek Watershed: Geography, History, and Ecology Study Guide

Geographical and Hydrological Characteristics

Corte Madera Creek originates in Marin County, California, and flows approximately 7.2 km southeast before joining San Francisco Bay.

Answer: True

Explanation: Corte Madera Creek originates within Marin County, California, and follows a course of approximately 7.2 kilometers southeastward before its confluence with San Francisco Bay.

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The confluence of San Anselmo Creek and Ross Creek forms Corte Madera Creek within the town of Fairfax.

Answer: False

Explanation: Corte Madera Creek is formed by the confluence of San Anselmo Creek and Ross Creek, which occurs within the town of Ross, not Fairfax.

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Corte Madera Creek discharges its waters into the Pacific Ocean near the town of Corte Madera.

Answer: False

Explanation: Corte Madera Creek discharges its waters into San Francisco Bay near the town of Corte Madera, not the Pacific Ocean.

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The elevation at the mouth of Corte Madera Creek, where it meets San Francisco Bay, is 36 feet above sea level.

Answer: False

Explanation: The elevation at the mouth of Corte Madera Creek, where it meets San Francisco Bay, is 0 feet (sea level), not 36 feet.

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The average discharge rate for Corte Madera Creek is measured near the Ross town hall and is recorded as 0.33 cubic feet per second.

Answer: True

Explanation: The average discharge rate for Corte Madera Creek is indeed measured near the Ross town hall and is recorded as 0.33 cubic feet per second.

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San Anselmo Creek is identified as the right tributary that joins with another creek to form Corte Madera Creek.

Answer: False

Explanation: San Anselmo Creek is identified as the left tributary that joins with Ross Creek to form Corte Madera Creek.

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Tamalpais Creek and Larkspur Creek are tributaries to Corte Madera Creek, draining the northern slope of Mt. Tamalpais.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Tamalpais Creek and Larkspur Creek are right tributaries to Corte Madera Creek, the primary drainage of the northern slope of Mt. Tamalpais is attributed to Ross Creek.

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After the confluence of its main tributaries, Corte Madera Creek flows through a concrete-lined channel for over a mile before reaching the salt marsh.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the confluence of its primary tributaries, Corte Madera Creek traverses a concrete-lined channel for more than a mile prior to entering the salt marsh.

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Larkspur Creek and San Anselmo Creek are noted for draining directly into the estuary portion of the system.

Answer: False

Explanation: Larkspur Creek and Tamalpais Creek are noted for draining directly into the estuary portion of the system, not San Anselmo Creek.

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The maximum recorded average discharge rate for Corte Madera Creek is 0.00 cubic feet per second.

Answer: False

Explanation: The maximum recorded average discharge rate for Corte Madera Creek is 3.50 cubic feet per second, not 0.00 cubic feet per second.

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Corte Madera Creek passes through a tidal marsh located in the town of Ross before reaching San Francisco Bay.

Answer: False

Explanation: Corte Madera Creek passes through a tidal marsh located in Kentfield before reaching San Francisco Bay, not in the town of Ross.

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What are the two primary watercourses that converge to form Corte Madera Creek?

Answer: San Anselmo Creek and Ross Creek

Explanation: Corte Madera Creek is formed by the confluence of San Anselmo Creek and Ross Creek.

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In which U.S. state and county is Corte Madera Creek primarily located?

Answer: California, Marin County

Explanation: Corte Madera Creek is primarily located in California, specifically within Marin County.

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What is the approximate length of Corte Madera Creek?

Answer: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)

Explanation: The approximate length of Corte Madera Creek is 4.5 miles (7.2 km).

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Where does Corte Madera Creek discharge its waters?

Answer: Into San Francisco Bay near Corte Madera

Explanation: Corte Madera Creek discharges its waters into San Francisco Bay near the town of Corte Madera.

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What is the elevation of Corte Madera Creek at its source confluence?

Answer: 36 feet (11 meters)

Explanation: The elevation at the source confluence of Corte Madera Creek is 36 feet (11 meters) above sea level.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a right tributary to Corte Madera Creek?

Answer: San Anselmo Creek

Explanation: San Anselmo Creek is listed as the left tributary, not a right tributary, to Corte Madera Creek.

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What is the minimum recorded average discharge rate for Corte Madera Creek?

Answer: 0.00 cubic feet per second

Explanation: The minimum recorded average discharge rate for Corte Madera Creek is 0.00 cubic feet per second.

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Historical and Cultural Landscape

The Coast Miwok people were the original inhabitants of the Corte Madera watershed, engaging in activities like hunting and fishing.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Coast Miwok people were the original inhabitants of the Corte Madera watershed, utilizing it for gathering, hunting, and fishing.

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Rancho Cañada de Herrera, granted in 1839, covered areas including modern-day Corte Madera and Larkspur.

Answer: False

Explanation: Rancho Cañada de Herrera, granted in 1839 to Domingo Sais, covered areas that now include Fairfax and Sleepy Hollow, not primarily Corte Madera and Larkspur.

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Captain John B. R. Cooper was granted Rancho Punta de Quentin in 1840, an area now encompassing the towns of San Anselmo, Ross, Kentfield, and Larkspur.

Answer: True

Explanation: Captain John B. R. Cooper received the Rancho Punta de Quentin grant in 1840, which encompassed the lands of present-day San Anselmo, Ross, Kentfield, and Larkspur.

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The name "Corte Madera Creek" is derived from a Spanish phrase meaning "a place where wood is cut."

Answer: True

Explanation: The name "Corte Madera Creek" originates from the Spanish phrase corte de madera, which translates to "a place where wood is cut."

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James Ross, a logger, established a schooner route to San Francisco for transporting lumber from the Corte Madera watershed.

Answer: True

Explanation: James Ross, an early logger, established a schooner route to San Francisco to facilitate the transport of lumber harvested from the Corte Madera watershed.

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The Coast Miwok left traces of seven mounds in the area that is now the Town of Ross.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Coast Miwok people left evidence of their presence, including seven mounds, in the region now known as the Town of Ross.

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The original inhabitants of the Corte Madera watershed, the Coast Miwok, engaged in all the following activities EXCEPT:

Answer: Hunting sea otters

Explanation: The Coast Miwok engaged in gathering, fishing, and hunting game, but hunting sea otters is not listed as one of their primary activities in the watershed.

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Rancho Cañada de Herrera, granted in 1839, was awarded to which individual?

Answer: Domingo Sais

Explanation: Rancho Cañada de Herrera was awarded to Domingo Sais in 1839.

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What does the name "Corte Madera Creek" translate to from Spanish?

Answer: Place of the Cutting Wood

Explanation: The Spanish name "Corte Madera" translates to "Place of the Cutting Wood."

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What activities were associated with Rancho Punta de Quentin under Captain John B. R. Cooper?

Answer: Logging and hunting sea otters

Explanation: Activities associated with Rancho Punta de Quentin under Captain John B. R. Cooper included harvesting timber and hunting southern sea otters.

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Ecological Profile and Biodiversity

Corte Madera Creek is notable for supporting a population of Coho salmon, but not steelhead trout.

Answer: False

Explanation: Corte Madera Creek is notable for supporting a population of steelhead trout, and historically also supported Coho salmon.

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The primary spawning grounds for steelhead trout in the watershed are found in Upper San Anselmo Creek, Ross Creek, and Sleepy Hollow Creek.

Answer: True

Explanation: The most suitable spawning gravels for steelhead trout within the Corte Madera Creek watershed are located in Upper San Anselmo Creek, Ross Creek, and Sleepy Hollow Creek.

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Fairfax Creek presents no barriers to fish passage within the Corte Madera Creek watershed.

Answer: False

Explanation: Fairfax Creek presents a significant barrier to fish passage at its confluence with San Anselmo Creek, impeding aquatic species migration.

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Coho salmon were last sighted in the Corte Madera Creek watershed in the 1980s.

Answer: True

Explanation: Coho salmon, historically present in the watershed, were last sighted in the Corte Madera Creek watershed in 1984.

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The Sacramento sucker and the three-spined stickleback are non-salmonid fish species found in Corte Madera Creek.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Sacramento sucker and the three-spined stickleback are among the primary non-salmonid fish species identified within Corte Madera Creek.

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Protected species found in the watershed include the northern spotted owl and the salt marsh harvest mouse, but not any specific bird species.

Answer: False

Explanation: The watershed supports protected species including the northern spotted owl and salt marsh harvest mouse, as well as specific bird species such as San Pablo song sparrows and black rails.

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The Corte Madera Marsh Ecological Reserve is recognized by the Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Corte Madera Marsh Ecological Reserve is indeed recognized by the Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area, highlighting its significance for avian populations.

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Harbor seals are known to haul out in San Anselmo Creek, a major tributary of Corte Madera Creek.

Answer: False

Explanation: Harbor seals are known to haul out in a tidal channel named San Clement Creek, located south of the Corte Madera Marsh, not in San Anselmo Creek.

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Corte Madera Creek is ecologically significant because it maintains a population of which anadromous fish species?

Answer: Steelhead Trout

Explanation: Corte Madera Creek is ecologically significant for maintaining a population of steelhead trout, an anadromous fish species.

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Which of the following creeks acts as a total barrier to fish passage at its confluence with San Anselmo Creek?

Answer: Fairfax Creek

Explanation: Fairfax Creek is identified as a total barrier to fish passage at its confluence with San Anselmo Creek.

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Historically, which salmonid species, besides steelhead trout, was observed in the Corte Madera Creek watershed, with the last sighting in 1984?

Answer: Coho Salmon

Explanation: Coho Salmon was historically observed in the Corte Madera Creek watershed, with the last sighting recorded in 1984.

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Which of these is NOT listed as a primary non-salmonid fish species found in Corte Madera Creek?

Answer: Rainbow trout

Explanation: Rainbow trout are not listed as primary non-salmonid fish species; Sacramento sucker, three-spined stickleback, and California roach are mentioned.

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Besides fish and 17 plant species, what types of protected animals are found in the watershed?

Answer: Owls, sparrows, rails, and mice

Explanation: Protected animals found in the watershed include northern spotted owls, San Pablo song sparrows, rails, and the salt marsh harvest mouse.

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The Corte Madera Marsh Ecological Reserve is recognized by the Audubon Society primarily for its importance to what?

Answer: Bird populations

Explanation: The Corte Madera Marsh Ecological Reserve is recognized by the Audubon Society primarily for its importance to bird populations.

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Where do harbor seals typically haul out near the Corte Madera Marsh?

Answer: In a tidal channel named San Clement Creek

Explanation: Harbor seals typically haul out in a tidal channel named San Clement Creek, located south of the Corte Madera Marsh.

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Watershed Geography and Associated Communities

The Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed ranges in elevation from sea level up to approximately 784 meters at the East Peak of Mount Tamalpais.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed encompasses an elevation range from sea level to approximately 784 meters (2,571 feet) at the East Peak of Mount Tamalpais.

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The Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed covers 73 square kilometers and is located in the northwestern part of Marin County.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed covers 73 square kilometers (28 square miles) and is located in the southeastern quarter of Marin County, not the northwestern part.

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The towns of Larkspur, Corte Madera, Kentfield, Ross, San Anselmo, and Fairfax are all included within the Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed.

Answer: True

Explanation: The towns of Larkspur, Corte Madera, Kentfield, Ross, San Anselmo, and Fairfax are all situated within the boundaries of the Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed.

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The Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed contains a total of 71 kilometers of stream channels.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed contains an extensive network of 71 kilometers (44 miles) of stream channels.

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Ross Creek is primarily responsible for draining the northwestern portion of the watershed.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ross Creek primarily drains the northern slope of Mt. Tamalpais, while San Anselmo Creek and its tributaries drain the northwestern portion of the watershed.

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The Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed includes Phoenix Lake as one of its water bodies.

Answer: True

Explanation: Phoenix Lake is identified as one of the water bodies within the Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed.

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What is the maximum elevation reached within the Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed?

Answer: 2,571 feet

Explanation: The maximum elevation reached within the Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed is 2,571 feet (784 meters).

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Which of the following towns is NOT located within the Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed?

Answer: Mill Valley

Explanation: Mill Valley is not listed as being within the Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed; Larkspur, Corte Madera, Kentfield, Ross, San Anselmo, and Fairfax are included.

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How many miles of stream channels are contained within the Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed?

Answer: 44 miles

Explanation: The Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed contains approximately 44 miles of stream channels.

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Ross Creek is primarily responsible for draining which part of the watershed?

Answer: The northern slope of Mt. Tamalpais

Explanation: Ross Creek is primarily responsible for draining the northern slope of Mt. Tamalpais within the watershed.

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Which town is mentioned as the location where the source confluence of Corte Madera Creek occurs?

Answer: Ross

Explanation: The town of Ross is mentioned as the location where the source confluence of Corte Madera Creek, formed by San Anselmo Creek and Ross Creek, occurs.

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The Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed covers an area of approximately how many square miles?

Answer: 28 square miles

Explanation: The Corte Madera (Ross Valley) Watershed covers an area of approximately 28 square miles.

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