Water resources and management

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions for Water Resources and Management from the Geography 9696 syllabus.

abstraction

The process of extracting water from natural sources such as rivers or aquifers.

afforestation

Planting trees in an area that has not recently had tree cover.

agriculture

The practice of farming.

(water) capture

The collection of water, such as rainwater and waste water, for human use.

(water) consumption

The amount of water a person or area uses.

dam

An artificial structure across a river which controls the flow of water.

deforestation

Cutting down trees and clearing an area of forest.

desalination

The process of removing salt from water.

drought

An extended period of abnormally low rainfall in an area.

grey water

Water that has been used before in a domestic, commercial, or industrial setting.

ground subsidence

The sinking of the Earth's surface caused by natural processes and human activities.

industrial sector

The part of an economy related to manufacturing.

industrialisation

When a country or area builds factories and begins to manufacture products.

multipurpose river schemes

A project that uses a river in more than one way to support the development of the place surrounding the river.

piped (water)

Water that is supplied through a tap and is suitable for human consumption.

precipitation

Water falling from the air onto the land, for example, rain, snow, and hail.

rainwater harvesting

The collection and storage of rainwater to re-use.

(water) rationing

A restriction of the supply or use of water, usually for a limited period of time.

recreation

Relating to leisure.

relief

The variation in elevation of land surface in a place.

reservoir

An artificial lake behind a dam, which the dam creates as it traps water.

(water) reuse

The process of recycling or reclaiming water for humans to use again.

saltwater intrusion

The movement of saline water into freshwater aquifers caused by natural processes and human activities.

storage

The process of holding water in a specific area for a period of time.

transboundary issue

An environmental problem that relates to more than one country or place.

urbanisation

An increase in the proportion of people living in towns and cities.

water scarcity

A shortage of water to meet human demand.

water security

The stable supply of water to meet human demand.

water treatment

The process of improving the quality of water, usually for human consumption.