Hydrology and Water Resources

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to hydrology and water resources management.

Hydrologic Cycle

Redistributes water around the globe, driven by solar energy through processes like evaporation and precipitation.

Global atmospheric circulation

Movement of air in the atmosphere that influences rainfall patterns, with high pressure areas being generally dry.

Prevailing winds

Winds that typically blow in the same direction in a given area.

Topography

The shape and features of the land, including mountains and valleys.

Freshwater

Water with low salt content, suitable for drinking and farming.

Groundwater

Slow-moving water stored underground in aquifers, composed of porous layers of sand, gravel, and rock.

Zone of Aeration

The underground layer where soil contains both air and water.

Zone of Saturation

The underground layer where all spaces are filled with water.

Water table

The upper surface of the saturated layer of groundwater.

Aquifer

Porous layers of sand, gravel, and rock that hold groundwater.

Impermeable layers

Layers of rock or soil that do not allow water to pass through easily.

Recharge Zone

Area where water infiltrates to replenish the aquifer.

Fossil Water

Ancient groundwater that has been stored underground for a long period.

Saltwater intrusion

The movement of saltwater into an freshwater aquifer, contaminating it, often due to overpumping.

Rivers

Large natural streams of flowing water.

Discharge (water)

The amount/volume of water flowing in a river or stream.

Ponds

Small bodies of standing water.

Industrial Water Use

Water utilized in factories and mining operations.

Fracking (water use)

Using high-pressure water to fracture rock and release oil and gas.

Water-stressed countries

Nations facing high demand and limited water supply.

Megadroughts

Extremely prolonged and severe periods of drought.

Watershed-based jurisdictions

Water management based on river basins rather than political borders.

Land Bank plan (water)

The strategy of buying or protecting land to conserve water resources.

The Clean Water Act (CWA)

U.S. legislation aimed at making waters fishable and swimmable and reducing pollution from point sources.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

A U.S. system that requires permits for any discharge into water. Must monitor and report pollution.

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)

The maximum amount of pollution a water body can absorb.

Eutrophic

Water bodies rich in nutrients leading to significant plant growth.

Hypereutrophic

Extremely nutrient-rich water bodies with excessive growth and poor quality.

Dead Zones (aquatic)

Areas in water bodies with very low oxygen levels.

Harmful Algal Blooms

Algal blooms that produce toxins or can harm ecosystems.

Bioaccumulation (water pollution)

Buildup of toxic substances in a single organism over time.

Biomagnification (water pollution)

Increase in concentration of toxic substances in higher levels of a food chain.

Water Treatment

Processes to clean water to make it safe for drinking and use.

Safe Drinking Water Act

U.S. law that protecting public drinking water quality

Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs)

Events where stormwater and sewage overflow into waterways.

Effluent Sewerage

Treated wastewater that is released from treatment systems.

Constructed Wetlands (wastewater treatment)

Man-made wetlands designed to naturally CLEAN wastewater.