Watershed and Water Pollution Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to watersheds, water pollution types, and pollution solutions based on the lecture notes.

Watershed

An area of land that drains all its water into a common river or lake.

Watershed divide

Hills that separate two different drainages.

Infiltration

Rainwater soaking directly into the ground through soil and plant roots.

Runoff

Rainwater flowing over the land instead of soaking in.

Impervious surfaces

Hard structures like roads and roofs that completely block water from soaking in.

Point source pollution

Pollution coming from one easily identifiable spot, such as a factory pipe.

Nonpoint source pollution

Pollution coming from many widespread sources, such as rain washing chemicals.

Sediment pollution

Loose dirt or mud floating in water that blocks sunlight and smothers habitats.

Thermal pollution

Hot water running off sunny pavement into cool streams, lowering oxygen levels.

Eutrophication

Algae blooms caused by high nutrients that rot, steal oxygen, and kill fish.

Riparian Buffer

Trees and plants along river banks to absorb harmful runoff.

Rain Garden

Planted deep in the ground and designed to catch and infiltrate storm water.

Permeable Sidewalk

Materials used for roads or sidewalks that allow water to sink through.