AP Environmental Science Chapter 9: Water Vocab

aquifer

a permeable layer of rock and sediment that contains groundwater

unconfined aquifer

an aquifer made of porous rock covered by soil out of which water can easily flow

confined aquifer

an aquifer surrounded by a layer of impermeable rock or clay that impedes water flow

water table

the uppermost level at which the water in a given area fully saturates rock or soil

groundwater recharge

a process by which water percolates through the soil and works its way into an aquifer

spring

a natural source of water formed when water from an aquifer percolates up to the ground surface

artesian well

a well created by drilling a hole into a confined aquifer

cone of depression

an area lacking groundwater due to rapid withdrawal by a well

saltwater intrusion

an infiltration of salt water in an area where groundwater pressure has been reduced from extensive drilling of wells

floodplain

the land adjacent to a river

impermeable surface

pavement or buildings that do not allow water penetration

levee

an enlarged bank built up on each side of a river

dike

a structure built to prevent ocean waters from flooding adjacent land

dam

a barrier that runs across a river or stream to control the flow of water

reservoir

a water body created by damming a river or stream

fish ladder

a stair-like structure that allows migrating fish to get around a dam

aqueduct

a canal or ditch used to carry water from one location to another

desalination

the process of removing the salt from salt water

distillation

a process of desalination in which water is boiled and the resulting steam is captured and condensed to yield pure water

reverse osmosis

a process of desalination in which water is forced through a thin semipermeable membrane at high pressure

water footprint

the total daily per capita use of fresh water

hydroponic agriculture

the cultivation of plants in greenhouse conditions by immersing roots in a nutrient rich solution

tiered water-pricing system

a water allocation system that charges rates that increase with the amount of water consumed

xeriscaping

a style of landscaping that removes water intensive vegetation from lawns and replaces it with more water-efficient native landscaping

gray water

wastewater from baths, showers, bathroom sinks and washing machines

contaminated water

wastewater from toilets, kitchen sinks, and dishwashers