Unit 8: vocabulary

Question 1

Aquifer

Answer 1

a permeable rock layer that can hold or transport water

Question 2

Catastrophic event

Answer 2

a violent, usually destructive, natural occurrence

Question 3

Deposition

Answer 3

process by which weathered and eroded material is deposited by wind, water, or ice

Question 4

Ecoregion

Answer 4

area of land that has a distinct group of plants, animals, and other species

Question 5

Erosion

Answer 5

process by which weathered material is moved by wind, water, or ice

Question 6

Groundwater

Answer 6

water beneath the Earth’s surface

Question 7

Permeability

Answer 7

ability of a material to allow water to pass through

Question 8

Recharge zone

Answer 8

surface land area where water enters an aquifer

Question 9

Surface water

Answer 9

water that collects above the surface of the ground

Question 10

Watershed

Answer 10

an area of land where all of the groundwater and surface water from the area drains from higher areas to lower areas and into the same body of water

Question 11

Water table

Answer 11

the highest level of groundwater in an area, beneath the Earth’s surface

Question 12

Weathering

Answer 12

process by which exposed rock and other surfaces are broken down; caused by elements of weather (wind, water, ice) or other mechanisms (physical, chemical, biological)