Flashcards Hydrologic Cycle, Watersheds, and Water Pollution in Environmental Science

What are the four spheres of Earth?

Lithosphere (ground), Atmosphere (air), Hydrosphere (water), Biosphere (organisms)

What is the hydrologic cycle?

The cycle of water movement across the Earth, including processes like precipitation, evaporation, and runoff.

What is precipitation in the hydrologic cycle?

The process by which water falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Define runoff in the context of the hydrologic cycle.

Water that flows over the ground surface and returns to bodies of water.

What is infiltration?

The process by which water soaks into the soil from the ground surface.

What does the term 'watershed' refer to?

An area of land where all the water drains to a common point, often defined by ridges.

How does a watershed relate to water pollution?

Contaminants can flow downstream from the watershed into larger water bodies.

What is the significance of hydrologic unit codes (HUCs)?

HUCs are used to identify and name watersheds, ranging from regional to local levels.

What is nutrient pollution?

Pollution caused by excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, that can lead to harmful algal blooms.

What is eutrophication?

A process where water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion.

What role do dog parks play in nitrogen pollution?

Dog waste can accumulate nitrogen, contributing to pollution in nearby waterways.

How does stream order affect pollution impact?

First-order streams may have localized impacts, while higher-order streams can distribute pollutants over larger areas.

What is the difference between ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial streams?

Ephemeral streams flow only during precipitation, intermittent streams flow at certain times of the year, and perennial streams have constant flow.

What is the impact of topography on water flow in a watershed?

Topography affects how water flows, with slopes influencing runoff and infiltration rates.

What is the role of digital elevation models (DEMs) in hydrology?

DEMs provide elevation data to model water flow and predict flooding in watersheds.

What is the impact of plastic waste on waterways?

Plastic waste contributes significantly to water pollution, with 80% of oceanic garbage patches originating from land.

What is the relationship between fertilizers and water quality?

Fertilizers can lead to nutrient runoff, which negatively impacts water quality through eutrophication.

How can education and outreach help reduce water pollution?

Raising awareness about pollutants entering stormwater drains can help mitigate water pollution.

What happens to contaminants deposited on land?

They can flow into waterways and contribute to water pollution downstream.

What is the role of the EPA in water quality monitoring?

The EPA monitors water quality across the nation to identify and address pollution issues.

What is the significance of the Mississippi River watershed?

It consists of six major regional watersheds that contribute to the river's flow into the Gulf of Mexico.

What is the impact of dog urine on soil chemistry?

Dog urine can increase nitrogen levels in soil, affecting local ecosystems.

What is the cumulative effect of nutrients from agriculture?

Excessive nutrient runoff can lead to significant ecological changes in aquatic environments.

How does water pollution from urban areas reach larger water bodies?

Pollutants can travel through watersheds and eventually make their way to oceans or lakes.

What is a drainage basin?

Another term for a watershed, where all water flows to a common outlet.

What are the consequences of hypoxic waters?

Hypoxic waters can lead to fish die-offs due to lack of oxygen caused by decomposing algae.

How can the location of a dog park affect water quality?

Proximity to waterways can increase the risk of nitrogen pollution from dog waste.