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What characteristic is often used to describe the clarity of water?
Temperature
Turbidity
Color
Odor
The correct answer is: Turbidity
Turbidity is a key characteristic used to describe the clarity of water. It refers to the degree to which water loses its transparency due to the presence of suspended particles, such as silt, clay, algae, or other substances. High turbidity indicates cloudy water, which can be caused by environmental factors or human activities, and often correlates with lower water quality. Clarity is crucial in assessing the suitability of water for various uses, including drinking, recreation, and ecological health, as it can affect light penetration and, subsequently, aquatic life. In contrast, temperature, color, and odor can affect perceptions of water quality but do not specifically relate to its clarity. Temperature is important for chemical processes and biological activity, color may indicate the presence of certain materials or pollutants, and odor can give clues about organic contamination or other issues, but none of these directly measure how clear the water is. Thus, turbidity stands out as the primary parameter for assessing water clarity.