Limnology and Water Dynamics

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to limnology and the dynamics of freshwater systems.

Limnology

The study of inland waters, including lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

Consumptive water use

Water that is removed and not returned to the source.

Nonconsumptive water use

Water that is used but returned to the source.

Sustainable water use

Use that does not deplete water resources long-term.

Water mining

Removing groundwater faster than it is replenished.

Residence time

The average time that water stays in a system.

Stratification

Formation of water layers based on density.

Temperature vs. density

Water is most dense at 4°C.

Salinity vs. density

Higher salinity increases the density of water.

Geologic weathering

The breakdown of rocks.

Karst

A landscape formed by the dissolution of limestone.

Solubility

The ability of a substance to dissolve in water.

Temperature vs. solubility

Gases decrease and solids increase in solubility with heat.

Heat capacity

The amount of heat needed to change the temperature of water.

Viscosity

The resistance of a fluid to flow.

Laminar flow

Smooth and orderly flow of fluid.

Turbulent flow

Chaotic and irregular flow of fluid.

Transport diffusion

Movement of substances via bulk flow and diffusion.

Molecular diffusion

Movement of molecules from areas of high concentration to low concentration.

Light attenuation

The decrease in light intensity as it penetrates water.

Eutrophic

Water that is nutrient-rich with high productivity.

Oligotrophic

Water that is nutrient-poor and clear.

Secchi disk

An instrument used to measure water clarity.

Watershed

Land that drains into a water body.

Discharge

The volume of water flowing per unit of time.

Water velocity

The speed at which water moves.

Stream order

A ranking system for stream sizes.

Weir

A structure that measures water flow.

Hydrograph

A graph that displays discharge over time.

Perennial

A stream that flows year-round.

Intermittent

A stream that flows only part of the year.

Ephemeral

A stream that flows only after rain.

Base flow

The contribution of groundwater to a stream.

Riffles

Shallow sections of a stream with fast flow.

Pools

Deep sections of a stream with slow flow.

Runs

Sections of a stream with moderate flow.

Reach

A specific section of a stream.

Thalweg

The deepest and fastest flow line in a stream.

Meander

A bend in a stream.

Sinuosity

The degree of curviness of a stream.