Ch 1 Hydrology Review

Front

What is the falling limb on a hydrograph?

Back

The falling limb is the part of the hydrograph that shows the decrease in river discharge after a peak flow, indicating the return to normal flow levels.

Front

What is interception in hydrology?

Back

Interception is the process where precipitation is caught and held by vegetation, preventing it from reaching the ground directly.

Front

Define runoff in the context of hydrology.

Back

Runoff is the flow of water over land surfaces, typically occurring after rainfall, which eventually drains into rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Front

What is a plunge pool?

Back

A plunge pool is a deep basin formed at the base of a waterfall, created by the erosive action of falling water.

Front

What does saltation refer to in river dynamics?

Back

Saltation is the process by which sediment particles bounce along the riverbed due to the force of flowing water.

Front

What is the significance of lag time in hydrology?

Back

Lag time is the delay between the peak rainfall and the peak discharge in a river, indicating how quickly water travels through the watershed.

Front

Explain the term evapotranspiration.

Back

Evapotranspiration is the combined process of evaporation from land and water surfaces and transpiration from plants, contributing to the water cycle.

Front

What is infiltration in the context of hydrology?

Back

Infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil, replenishing groundwater supplies.

Front

Describe the term peak rainfall.

Back

Peak rainfall refers to the maximum amount of rainfall that occurs during a specific storm event, often leading to increased runoff.

Front

What is the role of vegetation in the water cycle?

Back

Vegetation plays a crucial role in the water cycle by intercepting rainfall, facilitating transpiration, and enhancing infiltration.