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Movement of salt water into freshwater aquifers in coastal and inland areas as groundwater is withdrawn faster than it is recharged by precipitation.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