Watershed + MN Climate Vocabulary

Watershed

An area of land where all the rain and water flow into a common body of water, like a river, lake, or ocean.

Topographic map

A map that shows the shapes and features of the land, such as mountains, valleys, and water sources, often using lines to represent changes in elevation.

Impervious Surface

A surface that water cannot pass through, like concrete or asphalt, causing water to run off instead of soaking into the ground.

Percolation

The process of water moving down through the soil or ground, slowly filtering through layers until it reaches deeper areas.

Runoff

Water that flows over the ground, often after a rainstorm, because it cannot soak into the soil or is blocked by impervious surfaces.

Storm water

Water from rain or snow that runs off streets, roofs, and other surfaces, often carrying pollutants.

Storm drain

A system of pipes or channels that carry storm water away from streets and buildings, preventing flooding.

Demonstration

An action or event where someone shows how something works or teaches others by example.

Pollution

Harmful substances that damage the environment.

Pollutants

Specific harmful substances, like chemicals or trash, that cause pollution.

Salt / Chloride

A substance often used to melt ice on roads in winter, but harmful to plants and animals when it washes into water sources.

Leaves

The green parts of plants or trees that grow on branches, helping the plant take in sunlight and air.

Animal waste

The excrement from animals, which can pollute water if it enters rivers or lakes.

Gas / Oil

Types of fuel used in cars, machines, and homes, harmful to the environment if spilled or leaked into water sources.

Fertilizer

A substance added to soil to help plants grow better, but it can pollute water if too much is used or washes away during rain.

Litter

Trash or waste that is carelessly discarded on the ground, causing pollution.

Phosphorus

A chemical element found in fertilizers and animal waste that can cause water pollution.

Algae

Small plants that grow in water; excessive growth caused by pollution can create problems for aquatic life.

Rain garden

Designed to absorb rainwater and prevent runoff, using plants that help filter the water.

Native plant

A plant that naturally grows in a specific area, adapted to the local environment.

Roots

The underground parts of plants that take in water and nutrients from the soil.

Filtering / Infiltration

The process of removing impurities from water; refers to water soaking into the ground through soil.

Pollinators

Animals, like bees and butterflies, that help plants reproduce by carrying pollen from one flower to another.

Mitigation

The act of making something less severe or harmful

emissions

The release of gases or pollutants into the atmosphere, often associated with human activities like burning fossil fuels.

adaptation

The process of changing or adjusting to new conditions.

infrastructure

The basic systems and structures that a country or organization needs to work properly, such as roads, power and water supplies, and communication networks.

foreseeable

Able to be predicted or seen in advance

climate

The long-term patterns and variations in weather (temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation) in a particular area.

impact

The strong effect or influence that one thing has on another, especially in environmental or social contexts.

precipitation

Falling water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.

greenhouse gas

Any gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change.

reduce

to make something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size, often referring to emissions or resources use in environmental contexts.

context

the parts of something written or spoken that immediately come before and after a word or passage and make its meaning clearer