Groundwater Pollution and Environmental Issues

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to groundwater pollution, environmental issues, and the socio-economic implications of pollution.

Groundwater

Water stored below Earth’s surface in soil, sediment, and rock.

Vadose Zone

The unsaturated (dry) zone above the water table critical for the movement of rain and contaminants.

Aquifer

Rock, soil, or sediment that stores usable water and is crucial for groundwater supply.

Water Table

The top of the saturated (water-filled) zone in an aquifer.

Porosity

The measure of how much water a rock or soil can hold.

Permeability

How easily water moves through rock or soil.

Fractured Rock Aquifers

Types of aquifers that can crack and allow fast movement of water, resulting in less filtration.

LNAPL vs DNAPL

LNAPLs (light non-aqueous phase liquids) float on the water table; DNAPLs (dense non-aqueous phase liquids) sink deeper.

Karsts

Landforms created by the dissolution of rock, leading to caves and sinkholes, which can create pathways for pollutants.

Drainage Basin

An area where streams and rivers channel water to a single common outlet.

Influent Stream

A stream that loses water to groundwater.

Effluent Stream

A stream that gains water from groundwater.

Braided Streams

Streams with multiple channels that can shift rapidly, often damaging surrounding vegetation.

PCBs

Industrial chemicals that persist in the environment, accumulating in fish and impacting food chains.

Eutrophication

Excess nutrient runoff that leads to algal blooms, resulting in decreased oxygen and harming aquatic life.

Ocean Basin

The area where the continental shelf drops off into the deep ocean, influencing sediment movement.

Continental Shelves

Shallow and sunlit areas critical for fisheries and diverse ecosystems.

Tides

Regular rises and falls in sea level caused by gravitational effects of the Moon and Sun.

Spring Tides

Extreme tides occurring when the Sun and Moon are aligned.

Longshore Currents

Waves that hit the shore at an angle, moving parallel to the beach and resulting in littoral drift.

Deepwater Horizon Incident

A catastrophic oil spill caused by human error at a BP rig, spilling 134 million gallons of oil.

Elevation and Air Pollution

Higher elevation leads to lower air pressure and affects temperature and pollution mixing.

Condensation

The process where water vapor turns into liquid droplets, forming clouds.

Low vs High Pressure

Low pressure causes rising air which cools and can lead to rain; high pressure leads to clear skies.

Fronts

Boundaries where different air masses meet, which can rapidly change weather conditions.

Coriolis Effect

The deflection of moving air caused by Earth's rotation, affecting wind patterns.

Temperature Inversions

A reversal of the normal temperature pattern, exacerbating air pollution in valleys.

Acid Rain

Rain that has been made acidic by pollutants, damaging forests and water bodies.

Military Pollution

Environmental contamination resulting from warfare, including harmful chemicals and explosives.

Agent Orange

A toxic herbicide used in Vietnam, containing dioxins, which contaminated soil and water.

Environmental Justice

The fair treatment of all people regarding environmental policies and protections.

Bhopal Disaster

A catastrophic industrial accident in India that released toxic gas, killing thousands.

Cancer Alley

A region in Louisiana with high levels of chemical plants built around low-income neighborhoods.

Citarum River

One of the most polluted rivers globally, relied upon by millions for water supply.

Community Perception

The importance of community awareness and perception in tackling environmental issues.