Water Cycle Flashcards
precipitation
Water that falls to the ground in the form of rain, snow, sleet, etc.
surface water
Water located on the surface of the earth such as lakes and streams.
runoff
Water that drains over the surface of the earth after falling as precipitation.
infiltration
When water drains down into the ground/soil
groundwater
Water held underground in the soil or in spaces (pores and crevices) in rock.
groundwater movement
The movement of groundwater, which occurs very slowly.
elevation
Height above or below a given location.
gravity
The force that pulls things downhill and/or towards the earth.
watershed
An area of higher elevation land that affects where surface water and groundwater drain.
energy driver
The source of energy that causes water to move (for example, gravity and sun energy).
reservoirs
Natural or man-made places where water is stores such as clouds, groundwater, surface water, atmosphere, plants, water towers, etc.
grain size
The size of the sediment particle. Grain size” Boulder, Gravel, sand, silt, clay
