Water Vocabulary 2021

Front

What is weathering?

Back

The breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on earth's surface. Water, wind, and chemicals are all ways weathering occurs.

Front

What is an aquifer?

Back

An underground layer holding groundwater for wells and springs.

Front

What does turbidity measure?

Back

A measure of how clear the water is in a pond, lake, or stream. The harder it is to see through, the higher the turbidity level.

Front

What is capillary action?

Back

Water's ability to use cohesion and adhesion to go against gravity.

Front

What is an estuary?

Back

A place where freshwater from a river mixes with salt water from the ocean.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The continuous process by which water moves from the earth's surface to the atmosphere and back, including evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Water that is stored underground in aquifers and can be accessed through wells.

Front

What is the difference between point source and non-point source pollution?

Back

Point source pollution comes from a single, identifiable source, while non-point source pollution comes from multiple, diffuse sources.

Front

What is the role of wetlands?

Back

Wetlands act as natural water filters, absorbing excess nutrients and pollutants, and providing habitat for wildlife.

Front

What is the significance of the water table?

Back

The water table is the upper surface of groundwater, indicating the level below which the ground is saturated with water.