Unit 1: Water Vocabulary

Environmental Earth Science Vocabulary

Atmosphere

The gaseous layer surrounding the Earth. It plays a crucial role in the water cycle through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Hydrosphere

All water on Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, ice, and groundwater. The water cycle involves water moving within and between these bodies.

Geosphere

The solid Earth, including rocks, soil, and landmasses. Water infiltrates the ground, becoming part of the geosphere as groundwater, and can also flow over the surface as runoff.

Biosphere

All living organisms on Earth. Plants absorb water from the soil (geosphere) and release it into the atmosphere through transpiration, while animals consume and excrete water.

Water cycle

A continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface, driven by solar energy and gravity.

Evaporation

Liquid water from the hydrosphere (oceans, lakes, etc.) turns into water vapor and enters the atmosphere.

Condensation

Water vapor in the atmosphere cools and condenses into liquid droplets, forming clouds and dew.

Precipitation

Water falls back to Earth's surface as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, returning to the hydrosphere or infiltrating the geosphere as groundwater.

Runoff

Water flows over the land surface, returning to bodies of water in the hydrosphere.

Infiltration

Water soaks into the ground, replenishing aquifers and becoming part of the geosphere.

Transpiration

Plants absorb water from the soil and release it into the atmosphere, a process within the biosphere.

Respiration

Animals release water vapor through respiration, a process that is also part of the biosphere.

Oceans

The largest reservoir in the hydrologic cycle, containing approximately 97% of the Earth's water. They play a crucial role in regulating the global climate and serve as a massive reservoir for water.

Ice Caps & Glaciers

Storage of a significant amount of freshwater, particularly in polar regions and high-altitude areas. They represent a crucial freshwater reserve and can influence sea levels as they melt or form.

Gravity

The invisible force that pulls things toward the center of the Earth. In the context of farming, it is what makes water naturally flow from a higher point to a lower point.

Percolation

The downward movement of water through soil and porous rock, primarily due to gravity, which eventually replenishes the groundwater supply.

Watershed

A region of land where all the water drains into a common body of water, such as a river, lake, or aquifer.

Groundwater

Water that infiltrates the ground and is stored in the pores and spaces of soil and rock beneath the Earth's surface.

Aquifer

A subsurface layer of rock or sediment that holds water. These formations are saturated with water and can be composed of various materials, such as sand, gravel, or sandstone.

Water Table

This is the underground boundary below which the ground is saturated with water. It's the top level of the underground water source that wells can access.

Groundwater Depletion

This problem happens when farmers pump water out of the ground faster than it can be naturally refilled by rain and snow. Visualize a massive, underground sponge (aquifer) that is slowly being squeezed dry.

Recharge

The natural or artificial process by which water moves from the Earth's surface into underground aquifers, replenishing the stored groundwater supply.

Stormwater

The runoff that is generated when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over surfaces like roads, roofs, and lawns.

Wastewater

Used water from a community that flows to a treatment plant. The term is often used instead of sewage, which specifically refers to household wastes.

Greywater

Wastewater that comes from non-toilet household plumbing.

Blackwater

Wastewater that contains human fecal matter and urine from toilets.

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)

A facility where wastewater is treated through a series of processes to remove pollutants before being safely discharged or reused.

Sanitary sewer

Carries domestic and industrial wastewater.

Storm sewer

Carries stormwater runoff, not household waste.

Combined sewer

Carries both sanitary wastewater and stormwater runoff.

Preliminary Wastewater Treatment (Headworks)

The initial stage of treatment where large solids are removed.

Primary Wastewater Treatment

A physical process that uses gravity to separate settleable solids and floating materials like grease and scum.

Secondary (Biological) Treatment

A biological process where microorganisms consume organic pollutants.

Tertiary (Advanced) Treatment

Further treatment after secondary, often to remove specific contaminants like nutrients or microscopic particles.

Biosolids

The nutrient-rich, organic solid product resulting from treated sewage sludge.

Reclaimed Water

Wastewater that has been treated to meet specific standards for reuse, such as for irrigation or industrial processes.

Clean Water Act

The federal law establishing the basic structure for regulating pollutant discharges into U.S. waters.

Influent

Wastewater entering a treatment plant.

Effluent

Treated or partially treated wastewater leaving a basin, process, or plant.

Coagulation and Flocculation

The processes of adding chemicals to raw water to neutralize charges and help small particles (floc) clump together for easier removal.

Sedimentation

The process in which heavy floc particles settle to the bottom of a tank, separating them from the water.

Filtration

The process of passing water through a filter bed of sand, gravel, or charcoal to remove remaining suspended particles.

Disinfection

The process of using chemicals like chlorine or UV light to kill or inactivate any remaining harmful pathogens.

Reverse Osmosis

A filtration method that forces water through a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities.

Public Municipal Water Systems

These systems are typically government-owned, non-profit, and more heavily regulated for quality and safety under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).

Private Municipal Water Systems

Owned and operated by for-profit corporations driven by investors and shareholders. Less government oversight compared to public systems, though the system still needs to meet the SDWA standards for public systems.

Potable water

Water safe for drinking and cooking.

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

The federal law ensuring drinking water quality.

Surface or Flood System

Imagine letting a large amount of water flow from a source, such as a river, and allowing it to spread naturally over a field. This technique moves water across the land using only the force of gravity, without any mechanical assistance. Visualize a field covered in a thin, moving sheet of water.

Localized System

This is a more precise approach to delivering water to crops. It sends water at low pressure through a network of pipes and applies it individually to each plant. This method is designed to be more targeted and efficient. Picture a web of small pipes running directly to the base of each plant in a field.

Drip System

A very efficient form of localized water delivery. This method uses hoses that slowly release small drops of water directly at or near the plant's roots. This minimizes water loss from evaporation or runoff from the field. Imagine a line of tiny holes in a hose, with a drop of water slowly forming and falling from each one.

Sprinkler System

Think of a large-scale lawn sprayer. This method uses overhead, high-pressure sprayers or large nozzles to apply water from a central location in the field or from moving platforms. Picture a giant lawn sprinkler spraying water over a field in a wide arc.

Center Pivot System

This is a common sight in flat, agricultural areas. It utilizes a complex system of wheeled pipes and sprayers that rotate in a circular pattern around a central point, creating a large, circular field of crops. Imagine a massive arm, like a clock hand, slowly rotating and spraying water as it moves across the field.

Lateral Move System

This system moves in a straight line across a field. It consists of a series of pipes, each with a wheel and a set of sprayers, that are transferred either by hand or with a special mechanism. This method is often less expensive but requires more labor. Visualize a long, wheeled pipe slowly crawling in a straight line from one side of a field to the other, watering as it goes.

Sub-surface System

This technique provides water from below the ground. It raises the natural level of groundwater using a system of pumps, channels, and gates. This is most effective in areas where the soil already holds a lot of water. Picture the ground slowly becoming damp from below, with water soaking up toward the plant roots.

Manual System

The most basic way to give plants water. This method requires human effort to carry and pour water using tools like watering cans. It is very labor-intensive and is usually only practical for small areas. Visualize someone walking through a garden, carrying a watering can, and pouring water on each plant by hand.

Salinization

This is the process where salt builds up in the soil. When irrigation water evaporates, it leaves behind dissolved salts. Over time, this makes the soil too salty for most plants to grow, ruining the land for farming. Picture a field with a visible white crust on the surface of the soil.

Waterlogging

This occurs when too much water is applied to a field, causing the groundwater to rise and the plant roots to become saturated. This can suffocate the roots, preventing them from getting oxygen, which can stunt plant growth or even kill the crop. Imagine a plant whose roots are completely submerged in standing water, unable to draw in oxygen.

Erosion

This is the process where soil is washed away by water. Surface or flood irrigation can cause the top layer of fertile soil to be carried away, making the land less productive for farming. Picture a muddy river flowing through a field after heavy watering.

Coastal flooding

The inundation of coastal areas caused by high tides, low atmospheric pressure, or storm surge from hurricanes and tropical storms.

Flash flood

A flood that occurs suddenly and intensely, typically caused by heavy rainfall in a short period of time.

Ice jam flood

A flood caused by an accumulation of floating ice that blocks a river's flow.

Dam/Levee failure

A catastrophic flood caused by a man-made structure failing and releasing a large volume of water.

Hydrological cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, which includes events that lead to flooding.

Floodplain

The flat land area next to a river or stream that is subject to flooding.

Stormwater management

The practice of managing runoff to prevent flooding and protect water quality.

Floodplain management

The comprehensive approach to reducing flood damage through preventative and corrective measures.

Gray (or Grey) infrastructure

Traditional, engineered systems designed to move stormwater away from populated areas. It typically consists of hard, impervious surfaces and networks of pipes, gutters, and drains.

Green infrastructure

An approach that uses natural or engineered ecological systems to manage stormwater, such as permeable pavement, rain gardens, and green roofs.

Green-gray infrastructure

A hybrid approach that integrates both green and gray infrastructure for more comprehensive and effective flood management.

Impervious surface

Artificial structures such as roads, rooftops, and parking lots that are covered by impenetrable materials, preventing water infiltration.

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)

A map showing flood zones and risk levels.

Permeable pavement

A type of pervious surface that is designed with interconnected voids or joints to allow water to filter through or around the paving material. This can include pervious concrete, porous asphalt, or pavers with aggregate-filled joints.

Dam

An artificial barrier built across a river or stream to impound water. In flood management, dams are used to hold back excess water during high flow events and release it in a controlled manner.

Levee

An embankment or wall to prevent flooding.

Water Conservation

The practice of carefully using and managing water resources to prevent waste and ensure there is enough for the future. Using efficient water delivery methods is a crucial part of this practice in agriculture.

Reservoir

A large natural or artificial lake used as a source of water supply.

Drought

A prolonged period of below-average precipitation, leading to water shortages.

Water Scarcity

A situation where water resources are insufficient to meet demand.

Water Stress

A condition of water shortage that occurs when the demand for water is greater than the available water resources.

Overdraft

Excessive withdrawal of water, often from aquifers, exceeding the rate of natural replenishment.

Domestic water use

Water used for household purposes like drinking, cooking, and bathing.

Industrial water use

Water used by industries for manufacturing, processing, washing, and cooling.

Agricultural water use

Water used for irrigation to grow crops and for watering livestock.

Water footprint

The amount of water used to produce all the goods and services consumed by an individual or population.

Virtual water

The hidden flow of water in food or other products that are traded from one place to another.

Desalination

The process of removing salt from seawater to make it freshwater.

Water pollution

The contamination of water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater, by harmful substances.

Pollutant

Any substance that can negatively affect an ecosystem.

Point-source pollution

Contamination that comes from a single, identifiable location, such as a pipe or a ditch.

Nonpoint-source pollution

Widespread contamination from many diffuse sources, like agricultural runoff or storm drain runoff from urban areas.

Nutrient pollution

The presence of too much nitrogen and phosphorus in a waterway, often from fertilizers.

Eutrophication

A process in which excess nutrients cause rapid and dense growth of algae (algal blooms), which then consume oxygen when they die and decompose.

Algal bloom

A rapid increase in the population of algae due to nutrient pollution, which can block sunlight from other aquatic life.

Dissolved oxygen (DO)

The amount of oxygen available for living organisms in a body of water. Low DO can create "dead zones".

Dead zone

An area in a body of water with little to no dissolved oxygen, where aquatic life cannot survive.

Biomagnification

The increase in concentration of certain toxins, such as heavy metals, as they move up the food chain.

Bioaccumulation

The buildup of a substance, like a toxin, within the tissues of an individual organism over its lifetime.

Microplastics

Tiny plastic fragments (less than 5 mm) that result from the breakdown of plastic waste and can be ingested by marine life.

Acid rain

Rain containing acids formed from industrial emissions, which can contaminate surface water.