Sustainability
the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
water cycle
continuous process by which water circulates through the Earth's atmosphere, land, and bodies of water
condensation
The process by which water vapor in the air is changed into liquid water.
precipitation
any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere and reaches the ground.
interception
the process where precipitation is caught and held by vegetation, buildings, or other surfaces before it reaches the ground.
infiltration
The process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.
surface run off
flow of water, from rain, melting snow, or other sources, that moves across the land surface and eventually enters rivers, lakes, or oceans.
through flow
the movement of fluid or material through a system or medium, typically in a continuous manner.
ground water flow
the movement of water through the soil and rock layers beneath the Earth's surface.
transpiration
the process by which water is absorbed by plant roots, moves through plants, and is released as water vapor through small openings called stomata in the leaves.
evaporation
process by which liquid water is transformed into water vapor, a gas.