Key Concepts in Limnology and Water Systems

Stream System

A stream and its tributaries combined.

High Gradient Stream

Erodes stream bed faster than banks.

Locks

Structures allowing ships to navigate elevation changes.

Young Earth Geology

Claims no lake older than 5000 years.

Salt Flats

Evaporated large salty lakes from climate changes.

Crater Lake Formation

Result of volcanic activity or meteor impact.

Eutrophication

Nutrient overload in ponds causing excessive growth.

Limnology

Study of Earth's surface water bodies.

Thermal Turnover

Nutrient and oxygen exchange in lakes during seasons.

Floodplains

Nutrient-rich areas ideal for farming.

Great Salt Lake

Highly saline due to inflow only.

Drainage Basin

Region where water empties into a stream.

Levee

Structure built to control flooding.

Intermittent Stream

Dotted line on topographical maps indicates this.

Fresh Surface Water

Most found in lakes and ponds.

Glaciers

Largest source of Earth's freshwater.

Salt Lakes

Lakes with inlets but no outlets.

Lake Shrinkage

Lakes decrease in size over time.

Thermal Mixing

Vertical mixing of water in lakes.

Hydropower

Half of renewable energy sources.

Stream Energy

Directly related to stream gradient.