Hydrology & Water Management Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers key concepts, terms, and definitions related to Hydrology and Water Management.

What is Precipitation?

Water that falls from the atmosphere as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

What is a Drainage Basin?

An area of land where all the water drains to a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean.

What is a Watershed?

The dividing line or ridge that separates two drainage basins.

What is a Tributary?

A smaller stream or river that flows into a larger river.

What is a Confluence?

The point where two or more streams or rivers join.

What does the Hydrologic Cycle refer to?

The continuous, cyclical movement of water on, above, and below the Earth’s surface.

What are Inputs in hydrology?

Water entering a system, such as precipitation or inflow from tributaries.

What are Outputs in hydrology?

Water leaving a system, such as evaporation or surface runoff.

What is Evapotranspiration?

The combined process of evaporation and transpiration.

What is Surface Storage?

Accumulation of water on the Earth’s surface, such as in lakes and ponds.

What is Infiltration?

The process by which water enters the soil from the land surface.

What is Throughflow?

Lateral movement of water within the soil toward a stream or channel.

Percolation

The downward movement of water through soil and rock layers.

What is Groundwater?

Water stored in porous rock or soil beneath Earth's surface.

What is Surface Runoff?

Water that flows over the land's surface when soil is saturated.

What is the Water Table?

The upper level of an underground surface where soil or rocks are saturated with water.

What is Discharge in hydrology?

The volume of water flowing through a river channel at a given time.

What is a Hydrograph?

A graph showing how a river’s discharge changes over time.

What causes flooding?

Flooding occurs when water exceeds the land's ability to absorb or contain it.

What are some strategies for managing flooding?

Flood management strategies include structural measures, non-structural measures, and green infrastructure.

Why was the Three Gorges Dam built?

The dam was built to control flooding, generate hydroelectric power, and improve navigation.

What water management issues are cities facing now?

Water scarcity, urban flooding, pollution, aging infrastructure, climate change, and transboundary issues.