Earth Systems and Resources - Watersheds

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to watersheds and their characteristics, as well as human impacts on them.

Watershed

An area of land that drains into a particular body of water.

Erosion

The process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by natural processes such as wind or water flow.

Hypoxia

A condition in water where oxygen levels are low, often leading to dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive.

Algal Blooms

Rapid increases in the population of algae in water systems, often due to excess nutrients, leading to hypoxia.

Impermeable surfaces

Surfaces that do not allow water to penetrate, such as concrete or asphalt, which can increase runoff.

Ecological Succession

The process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, involving species replacement.

Dams

Structures built to obstruct the flow of water, which can alter natural water flow and impact watersheds.

Slope

The steepness of land, affecting the rate of water drainage.

Soils

The upper layer of earth in which plants grow, composed of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms.

Vegetation

Plant life or plant community in a particular area, significantly impacting watershed dynamics.