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Seine Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Seine River: Geography, History, and Environmental Dynamics

Cheat Sheet:
The Seine River: Geography, History, and Environmental Dynamics Study Guide

Geography and Hydrology

The Seine River is a relatively short river, measuring less than 500 kilometers in length.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Seine River measures approximately 777 kilometers (483 miles) in length, exceeding 500 kilometers.

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The source of the Seine River is located near the city of Dijon in northeastern France.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Seine River originates in Source-Seine, located northwest of Dijon in northeastern France.

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The source of the Seine has been owned by the city of Lyon since 1864.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source of the Seine has been owned by the city of Paris since 1864, not Lyon.

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The Seine River's course is divided into six distinct artificial sections.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Seine River's course is divided into five artificial sections: Petite Seine, Haute Seine, Traversée de Paris, Basse Seine, and Seine maritime.

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The Seine River empties into the Mediterranean Sea.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Seine River empties into the English Channel, not the Mediterranean Sea.

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The Seine-Normandy watershed is primarily characterized by dense forests.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Seine-Normandy watershed is predominantly covered by cultivated land (78%), with only 2% being forest.

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The Seine watershed is predominantly covered by forests.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Seine watershed is predominantly covered by cultivated land (78%), with forests comprising only 2%.

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Reims is a major city located within the Seine watershed.

Answer: True

Explanation: Reims is identified as a major city with a population over 100,000 located within the Seine watershed.

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The population density of the Seine watershed is lower than the national average for France.

Answer: False

Explanation: The population density within the Seine watershed is 201 people per square kilometer, which is higher than the national average for France.

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The Oise and Marne are tributaries that join the Seine from the left bank.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Oise and Marne rivers are significant tributaries that join the Seine from the right bank.

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The Yonne and Orge are significant left-bank tributaries of the Seine River.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Yonne and Orge rivers are indeed significant tributaries that join the Seine River from the left bank.

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What is the approximate length of the Seine River?

Answer: Approximately 777 kilometers (483 miles)

Explanation: The Seine River measures approximately 777 kilometers (483 miles) in length.

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Where does the Seine River originate?

Answer: Source-Seine, northwest of Dijon in northeastern France

Explanation: The Seine River originates in Source-Seine, located northwest of Dijon in northeastern France.

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Which body of water does the Seine River flow into?

Answer: The English Channel

Explanation: The Seine River flows into the English Channel.

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How many artificial divisions is the course of the Seine River divided into?

Answer: Five

Explanation: The Seine River's course is divided into five artificial sections: Petite Seine, Haute Seine, Traversée de Paris, Basse Seine, and Seine maritime.

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What is the dominant land cover type within the Seine's watershed?

Answer: Cultivated land

Explanation: The dominant land cover type within the Seine's watershed is cultivated land, which covers approximately 78% of the area.

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Which of the following is a major city located within the Seine watershed, besides Paris?

Answer: Reims

Explanation: Reims is identified as a major city, with a population exceeding 100,000, situated within the Seine watershed.

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Which river joins the Seine from the right bank?

Answer: Marne

Explanation: The Marne River is a significant tributary that joins the Seine from the right bank.

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Which river joins the Seine from the left bank?

Answer: Yonne

Explanation: The Yonne River is a significant left-bank tributary of the Seine River.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a right-bank tributary of the Seine?

Answer: Yonne

Explanation: The Yonne is listed as a left-bank tributary; Ource, Oise, and Marne are listed as right-bank tributaries.

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Which of the following is a left-bank tributary of the Seine?

Answer: Eure

Explanation: The Eure River is listed as a left-bank tributary of the Seine.

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Historical Significance and Events

Vikings successfully sacked Paris via the Seine River in 845 AD.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical records indicate that Vikings, possibly led by Ragnar Lothbrok, sailed up the Seine and sacked Paris in 845 AD.

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Jacques de Molay was executed by drowning in the Seine River in 1314.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jacques de Molay was executed by burning at the stake on an island in the Seine in 1314, not by drowning.

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Historical accounts suggest Joan of Arc's ashes were scattered into the Seine River in Paris.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historical accounts suggest that the ashes of Joan of Arc were scattered into the Seine River in Rouen, not Paris.

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Robert Fulton conducted his first successful steamboat test on the Seine in 1803.

Answer: True

Explanation: American engineer Robert Fulton conducted his first successful steamboat test on the Seine River on August 9, 1803.

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Reaching the Seine River was a secondary objective during Operation Overlord in World War II.

Answer: False

Explanation: Reaching the Seine River within 90 days after D-Day was a primary objective for the Allies during Operation Overlord.

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The 1961 Paris massacre involved victims being thrown into the Seine River from bridges.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the 1961 Paris massacre, some victims were reportedly thrown into the Seine River from bridges by French police.

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In what year did Vikings, possibly led by Ragnar Lothbrok, sail up the Seine and sack Paris?

Answer: 845 AD

Explanation: Vikings, potentially under the command of Ragnar Lothbrok, conducted a raid and sacked Paris via the Seine River in 845 AD.

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Who was burned on a scaffold on an island in the Seine in 1314?

Answer: Jacques de Molay

Explanation: Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, was executed by burning on an island in the Seine in 1314.

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According to historical accounts, where were the ashes of Joan of Arc scattered?

Answer: Into the Seine River in Rouen

Explanation: Historical accounts indicate that the ashes of Joan of Arc were scattered into the Seine River in Rouen following her execution.

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Which American engineer successfully tested a steamboat on the Seine in 1803?

Answer: Robert Fulton

Explanation: Robert Fulton, an American marine engineer, conducted a successful steamboat test on the Seine River in 1803.

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What was a key objective for the Allies related to the Seine River during Operation Overlord?

Answer: To reach it within 90 days after D-Day

Explanation: A primary objective for the Allies during Operation Overlord was to reach the Seine River within 90 days following D-Day in 1944.

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What tragic event related to the 1961 Paris massacre involved the Seine River?

Answer: Victims were thrown into the river from bridges

Explanation: During the 1961 Paris massacre, some victims were reportedly thrown into the Seine River from bridges.

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Modern Usage and Cultural Impact

The Seine River was used for swimming events during the 1900 Summer Olympics.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Seine River hosted swimming, rowing, and water polo events during the 1900 Paris Summer Olympics.

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The Seine River hosted the opening ceremony boat parade for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Seine River served as the venue for the opening ceremony boat parade during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

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The 'Swimming Plan' aims to create public swimming areas in the Seine, ending a long-standing ban.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Swimming Plan' is an initiative designed to establish public swimming areas in the Seine, thereby ending a ban on swimming that had been in place for nearly a century.

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Claude Monet and Alfred Sisley were among the artists inspired by the Seine.

Answer: True

Explanation: Claude Monet and Alfred Sisley are listed among numerous artists whose work was inspired by the Seine River.

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The banks of the Seine in Paris were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Answer: True

Explanation: The banks of the Seine within Paris were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

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The postponement of the men's triathlon at the 2024 Paris Olympics was due to high water temperatures.

Answer: False

Explanation: The postponement of the men's triathlon was due to concerns over elevated E. coli levels in the Seine's water quality, not high temperatures.

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The 'Paris, Banks of the Seine' UNESCO World Heritage Site primarily recognizes the river's industrial importance.

Answer: False

Explanation: The UNESCO designation 'Paris, Banks of the Seine' primarily recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the riverbanks within Paris, not their industrial importance.

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Which sports were contested on the Seine River during the 1900 Paris Summer Olympics?

Answer: Rowing, Swimming, and Water Polo

Explanation: Rowing, swimming, and water polo events were contested on the Seine River during the 1900 Paris Summer Olympics.

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What significant role did the Seine play in the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony?

Answer: It featured a boat parade for the athletes.

Explanation: The Seine River was central to the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, featuring a boat parade for the participating athletes.

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What UNESCO World Heritage designation applies to the Seine within Paris?

Answer: The Banks of the Seine in Paris

Explanation: The designation 'Paris, Banks of the Seine' is the UNESCO World Heritage Site applicable to the river within Paris.

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Which of the following artists is mentioned as being inspired by the Seine River?

Answer: Claude Monet

Explanation: Claude Monet is cited as one of the many artists whose work was inspired by the Seine River.

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What is the significance of the 'Paris, Banks of the Seine' UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Answer: It recognizes the cultural and historical importance of the riverbanks within Paris.

Explanation: The 'Paris, Banks of the Seine' UNESCO World Heritage Site designation acknowledges the profound cultural and historical significance of the riverbanks within the urban landscape of Paris.

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Environmental Status and Restoration

The 'Swimming Plan' for the Seine aimed to improve water quality at a cost of less than €500 million.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Swimming Plan' initiative for the Seine had an estimated cost of €1.4 billion, significantly exceeding €500 million.

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High E. coli levels in the Seine were a significant concern during the 2024 Paris Olympics events.

Answer: True

Explanation: Elevated E. coli bacteria counts in the Seine were a significant concern, leading to event postponements during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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Public swimming in the Seine was permanently banned in 2025 due to persistent pollution.

Answer: False

Explanation: Public swimming in the Seine was reopened in July 2025 after a long ban, indicating a move towards making it safe, not a permanent ban.

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Industrial wastewater discharge significantly improved the Seine's water quality historically.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historically, industrial wastewater discharge severely degraded the Seine's water quality, leading to significant pollution.

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Improvements in wastewater treatment have led to a decrease in fish species in the Seine near Paris.

Answer: False

Explanation: Improvements in wastewater treatment and water quality have led to an increase in fish species in the Seine near Paris, from three to over 30.

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The return of Atlantic salmon to the Seine signifies a decline in the river's ecosystem health.

Answer: False

Explanation: The return of Atlantic salmon to the Seine is a positive indicator, signifying an improvement in the river's ecosystem health and water quality.

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Historically, the Seine was often described as an 'open sewer' due to severe pollution.

Answer: True

Explanation: Due to extensive pollution from sewage and industrial discharge, the Seine was historically often referred to as an 'open sewer'.

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Flood control on the Seine relies solely on natural river flow management.

Answer: False

Explanation: Flood control on the Seine involves engineered solutions, including four large storage reservoirs constructed since 1950 on the river and its tributaries.

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A severe flood in 1910 caused minimal disruption in Paris.

Answer: False

Explanation: The severe flood of January 1910 caused extensive and significant disruption throughout the city of Paris.

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Relocating art from Paris during flood alerts is unnecessary as storage areas are flood-proof.

Answer: False

Explanation: Art stored in underground rooms in Paris is vulnerable to flooding, necessitating relocation during flood alerts, as seen in past events.

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A 2002 report estimated a worst-case Seine flood could cost up to 10 billion euros.

Answer: True

Explanation: A 2002 French government report projected that a worst-case Seine flood scenario could incur costs of up to 10 billion euros and cause widespread disruption to essential services.

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A Paris official attributed the 2018 Seine flood to natural weather cycles, not climate change.

Answer: False

Explanation: A Paris official attributed the heavy rainfall causing the 2018 Seine flood to climate change, stating it is a tangible reality.

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By 1970, nearly all urban sewage in the Seine region was treated before discharge.

Answer: False

Explanation: By 1970, approximately 60% of urban sewage in the Seine region was discharged untreated into the river, a significant factor in its pollution.

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The fish population in the Seine has remained consistently low due to historical pollution.

Answer: False

Explanation: Due to significant improvements in water quality, the fish population in the Seine has rebounded substantially, increasing from only three species to over 30 near Paris.

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The pH level of the Seine at Pont Neuf is recorded as 8.46.

Answer: True

Explanation: Measurements indicate that the pH level of the Seine at Pont Neuf is 8.46.

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What was the primary goal of the 'Swimming Plan' initiative for the Seine?

Answer: To reduce bacterial levels for safe swimming

Explanation: The primary objective of the 'Swimming Plan' initiative was to reduce bacterial levels in the Seine to ensure its safety for public swimming.

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What specific pollutant caused concerns regarding water quality in the Seine during the 2024 Olympics?

Answer: Elevated E. coli bacteria counts

Explanation: Elevated E. coli bacteria counts were a primary concern regarding the water quality of the Seine during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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When did the Seine River reopen for public swimming after a nearly century-long ban?

Answer: July 2025

Explanation: The Seine River was reopened for public swimming in July 2025, concluding a ban that had persisted for nearly 100 years.

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What historical factor contributed significantly to the Seine's pollution starting in the 1960s?

Answer: Increased use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture

Explanation: The increased use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture, beginning in the 1960s, significantly contributed to the Seine's pollution.

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How has the fish population in the Seine near Paris changed due to water quality improvements?

Answer: It has increased from 3 species to over 30.

Explanation: Due to improvements in water quality, the fish population in the Seine near Paris has increased significantly, from approximately 3 species to over 30.

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What is the significance of the return of Atlantic salmon to the Seine?

Answer: A healthier ecosystem capable of supporting sensitive species

Explanation: The return of Atlantic salmon to the Seine signifies a healthier ecosystem, indicating the river's capacity to support sensitive species has improved.

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What was the estimated cost of a worst-case flood scenario for Paris, according to a 2002 report?

Answer: 10 billion euros

Explanation: A 2002 report estimated that a worst-case flood scenario for the Seine could result in economic damages of up to 10 billion euros.

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What is the primary reason cited for the historical poor water quality of the Seine?

Answer: Discharge of untreated sewage and industrial wastewater

Explanation: The historical poor water quality of the Seine is primarily attributed to the discharge of untreated sewage and industrial wastewater.

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What flood control measure involves large reservoirs constructed on the Seine and its tributaries since 1950?

Answer: Constructing storage reservoirs

Explanation: Since 1950, flood control on the Seine has involved the construction of four large storage reservoirs on the river and its tributaries.

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Infrastructure and Management

Ocean-going vessels can navigate the Seine River up to Paris.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ocean-going vessels can navigate the Seine up to Rouen, which is 120 kilometers from the sea; Paris is further upstream.

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There are fewer than 30 bridges crossing the Seine within the city limits of Paris.

Answer: False

Explanation: There are 37 bridges that cross the Seine River within the city limits of Paris.

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The Pont de Normandie is the first bridge encountered when traveling downstream along the Seine River.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Pont de Normandie is the last bridge encountered along the Seine River before it reaches the sea.

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Paris utilizes a modern drainage system that completely prevents sewage discharge into the Seine during heavy rain.

Answer: False

Explanation: Paris's 19th-century 'single system' drainage combines sewage and runoff, leading to sanitary sewer overflows into the Seine during heavy rainfall.

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The Seine's average depth in Paris has remained consistently shallow throughout history.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Seine's average depth in Paris is approximately 9.5 meters; before the installation of locks in the 19th century, it was much shallower with smaller channels and sandy banks.

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Dredging in the 1960s eliminated the tidal bores, known as 'le mascaret', on the lower Seine.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dredging activities undertaken in the 1960s on the lower Seine effectively eliminated the phenomenon of tidal bores, locally known as 'le mascaret'.

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The Pont Neuf is famous for being the site of Jacques de Molay's execution.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jacques de Molay's execution in 1314 occurred on an island in the Seine near Notre Dame de Paris, not specifically at the Pont Neuf.

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By which city is the Seine navigable by ocean-going vessels?

Answer: Rouen

Explanation: Ocean-going vessels can navigate the Seine River up to the city of Rouen.

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How many bridges cross the Seine River within Paris?

Answer: 37

Explanation: There are 37 bridges that span the Seine River within the city limits of Paris.

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Which famous bridge is noted as the last one along the Seine River before it reaches the sea?

Answer: Pont de Normandie

Explanation: The Pont de Normandie is identified as the final bridge encountered on the Seine River before its confluence with the sea.

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What is the cause of sanitary sewer overflows into the Seine during heavy rainfall in Paris?

Answer: The city's 19th-century 'single system' drainage combining sewage and runoff

Explanation: Paris's historical 'single system' drainage, which combines sewage and rainwater runoff, causes sanitary sewer overflows into the Seine during periods of heavy rainfall.

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The Seine's average depth in Paris is approximately 9.5 meters. What was the river like before the 19th-century locks were installed?

Answer: Much shallower with smaller channels and sandy banks

Explanation: Prior to the installation of 19th-century locks, the Seine within Paris was considerably shallower, characterized by smaller channels and sandy banks.

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What impact did dredging in the 1960s have on the lower Seine?

Answer: It eliminated the tidal bores ('le mascaret').

Explanation: Dredging operations conducted in the 1960s on the lower Seine resulted in the elimination of the tidal bores, known as 'le mascaret'.

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Etymology and Naming

The name 'Seine' is derived from the Greek goddess of rivers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The name 'Seine' is derived from the Gallo-Roman goddess Sequana, not a Greek goddess of rivers.

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The Gallo-Roman goddess Sequana is associated with the river Rhine, not the Seine.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Gallo-Roman goddess Sequana is directly associated with the Seine River, from whom the river derives its name.

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The name 'Seine' is thought to derive from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to flow'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Linguistic analysis suggests the name 'Seine' originates from a Proto-Indo-European root, possibly *seikw-, signifying 'to flow' or 'to pour forth'.

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The name 'Seine' is derived from which entity?

Answer: The Gallo-Roman goddess Sequana

Explanation: The name 'Seine' originates from Sequana, the Gallo-Roman goddess associated with the river, for whom offerings were found at its source.

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