Freshwater Flashcards
Water
A molecules essential for all life (H2O), unique for its polarity, high specific heat, capillarity, and ability to exist as a solid, liquid, or gas at Earth’s surface
Resevoir
A location where water is stored in the hydrologic cycle (e.g., ocean, glacier, lake, groundwater, atmosphere)
Hydrologic (Water) Cycle
The continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, runoff, and storage. Most water is in the oceans, while very little is easily accessible freshwater
Soil Moisture
Water held in the soil, available for plants and capable of recharging groundwater depending on infiltration rates
Earth’s Water Distribution
Most water is in oceans (saltwater). Most freshwater is locked in ice caps and glaciers. Most accessible liquid freshwater is groundwater, not surface water like lakes or rivers
Ponds
Small, shallow bodies of standing freshwater with sunlight typically reaching the bottom throughout
Lakes
Larger standing bodies of freshwater, often with temperature layers and varying depths. Can be natural or man-made
Limnology
The scientific study of inland aquatic ecosystems, especially lakes and ponds
Surface (Littoral) Zone
The shallow, sunlit edge of a lake where rooted plants grow; high biodiversity
Open-Water (Photic or Limnetic) Zone
The sunlit open water beyond the littoral zone; home to plankton and fish
Deep-Water (Aphotic or Profundal) Zone
The cold, dark layer below the reach of sunlight; lower in oxygen and life density
Wetlands
Areas where water covers the soil or is present near the surface; includes marshes and swamps. Act as natural sponges for flood control and water purification
Marshes
Wetlands dominated be herbaceous plants (grasses, reeds); often found at edges of lakes and streams
Swamp
Wetlands dominated by woody plants like trees and shrubs; often have standing or slow-moving water
Wetlands’ Role in Hazard Mitigation
Absorb and slow floodwaters (reducing flood risk), recharge groundwater, filter pollutants, and provide habitat and buffer storm surges
Floods
Overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry, typically caused by heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or overflowing rivers
Flash Floods
Sudden and intense floods caused by rapid rainfall or dam failure; occur with little warning
Water Tables & Flooding
When water tables rise to or above the surface, flooding can occur. Droughts lower water tables. Recharge rate is how quickly groundwater is replenished, affecting drought recovery and flood risk
Groundwater
Freshwater stored beneath Earth’s surface in soil pores and rock formations
Aquifers
Underground layers of porous rock or sediment that store and transmit groundwater
Porosity
The measure of how much space is between grains in rock or soil; affects how much water it can hold
Permeability
How easily water can flow through a material; high permeability = faster water movement
Hydrogeology
The study of groundwater and how it moves through Earth’s crust
Ogallala Aquifer
One of the largest aquifers in the world; located in the central U.S., heavily used for agriculture. Overuse has led to major depletion
