running and ground water

Runoff

Occurs when the rate of rainfall is greater than the ground’s ability to absorb it.

Infiltration

Water that soaks into the ground.

Transpiration

Water that infiltrates into the ground, is absorbed by plants, and is released into the atmosphere by plants.

Discharge

Volume of water flowing past a point per unit time (cubic feet per second).

Ultimate Base Level

Sea Level—'the lowest level to which a stream could lower the land.'

Alluvium

The general term for stream-deposited sediments.

Stream Competence

Maximum particle size that a stream can transport.

Stream Capacity

Maximum sediment load that a stream can carry.

Zone of Saturation

Zone of sediment in which all the open spaces in the sediment are filled with water.

Water Table

Top of the zone of saturation—the shape of the water table is usually a subdued replica of the surface topography.

Porosity

Percentage of the total volume of the rock that consists of pore spaces.

Permeability

Ability to move water through connected pore spaces.

Aquifer

Rocks and sediments which freely transmit water.

Aquitard

Sediments or rock that are impermeable to water.

Cone of Depression

The temporary removal of water from an aquifer, in the shape of a cone-shaped volume.

Artesian Wells

When groundwater rises in a well, above the level where it was first encountered due to pressure.

Geysers

Intermittent hot springs that erupt due to pressure and heating of water.

Groundwater Contamination

Pollution of groundwater caused by various sources, including domestic waste and agriculture.

Karst Topography

Solution topography formed by chemical dissolution of limestone rather than by physical erosion of streams.

Sink Holes

Formed by collapsing ceiling of caverns, occurring only in limestone.

Dendritic Drainage

Drainage pattern common on uniform sediments.

Drainage Basin

Land area that contributes water to a stream.

Filling in the Blank- Channel Roughness

________ refers to the surface texture of the stream channel that affects its velocity.

Causes of Floods

High intensity rains, rapid melting of snow, and human interference like urbanization and pavement.

Flood Control Dams

Structures that store flood water and release it slowly, but can trap sediment.

Hot Springs

Spring water that is 10 to 15 degrees F higher than mean annual air temperature.