Freshwater Vocabulary Flashcards
Area of land where all of the water that falls in it and drains off of it goes to a common outlet:
Watershed
A river or stream that flows into a larger river or stream
Tributary
Source where a river begins, usually in the mountains or in higher elevations
Headwaters
The end of a river where a river flows into a larger body of water
Mouth of a River
Photosynthetic algae found near the surface of the ocean
Phytoplankton
Microscopic animals that swim or drift near the surface of aquatic environments
Zooplankton
An area periodically covered in water and has NON woody plants
Marsh
Wetland with WOODY plants
Swamp
Wetland that does not contain fish
Vernal Pool
Aquatic organisms that dwell at the bottom of the water
Benthic
Aquatic organisms that break down dead organisms
Decomposers
Portion of a lake or pond near the shore
Littoral
Form of water pollution. Can occur when excessive use of fertilizers run into lakes and rivers, which increases growth of algae and other aquatic plants
Cultural Eutrophication
Portion of a lake or pond that refers to top open waters
Limnetic
Portion of a lake or pond that refers to deeper, darker waters
Profundal
Free swimming organisms
Nektonic
Wide, flat floodplain and many bends where it deposits soil
Old River
A fast flowing river characterized by a deep, narrow erosion pattern forming a V shaped channel or valley
Youthful River
A river that has a wide channel and few falls and rapids and is fed by many tributaries
Mature River
A strip of land alongside a river or stream where plants are grown to help slow down erosion
Riparian Buffer Zone
Areas of land, such as marshes and swamps, that are covered with freshwater for at least part of each year
Freshwater Wetlands
Soils that indicate wet conditions; usually grey in color due to low oxygen levels (acidic soil)
Hydric Soils
Plants that have adapted to living in or on aquatic environments
Hydrophytic
An area of low-lying land that is flooded in wet seasons or at high tide, and typically remain waterlogged at all times. (non woody plants)
Marsh
A wetland ecosystem in which shrubs and trees grow
Swamp
Areas of wet, spongy ground. Sphagnum moss and acidic peat are found here
Bogs
Why are wetlands important?
Good purifiers of wastewater, flood prevention, and habitats for wildlife
Species that enter new ecosystems and multiply, harming native species and their habitats.
Purple loosestrife, carp, and melaleuca trees are examples of invasive species
Invasive Species
Bottom of a water source such as a lake, pond, or ocean
Benthos
A convergence or a coming together such as rivers converging together
Confluence
