APES Chapter 9 (Unit 2)

Aquifiers

groundwater found within permeable layers of rock and sediment.

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

groundwater recharge

Water from precipitation comes up through the soil and into the aquifer. If confined, it cannot recharge.

springs

Water from some aquifers naturally comes up to the ground surface, as natural source of freshwater.

artesian well

A well in which water rises because of pressure within the aquifer; created by drilling

cone of depression

an area lacking groundwater due to rapid withdrawal by a well

saltwater intrusion

Movement of salt water into freshwater aquifers in coastal and inland areas as groundwater is withdrawn faster than it is recharged by precipitation.

floodplain

The excess water spreads onto the land adjacent to the river

Oliogotrophic

lakes w/ low productivity due to low amounts of nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) in the water.

Mesotrophic

Lakes with moderate levels of productivity (moderate nutrition)

Eutrophic

Describes a lake with a high level of productivity (high nutrition)

levee

an enlarged bank built up on each side of a river to prevent flooding of a river

dikes

preventing ocean waters from flooding adjacent land

dams

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

resevoir

water stored behind the dam in a large body of water

fish ladder

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

Aqueduct

canals or ditches used to carry water from one location to another

Desalination or desalinization

the removal of salt from seawater or other water

gray water

the relatively clean waste water from baths, sinks, washing machines, and other kitchen appliances.

furrow irrigation

involves digging trenches and filling them with water

flood irrigation

the entire field is flooded with water

spray irrigation

an apparatus that sprays water across a field

drip irrigation

the practice of using small pipes that slowly drip water just above ground to conserve water to use for crops (most efficient)

hydrophonic agriculture

the cultivation of crop plants under greenhouse conditions with their roots immersed in a nutrient-rich solution, but no soil.