Water Resources Flashcards
Explain the difference between rainfall and runoff
Rainfall refers to the precipitation of water from the atmosphere onto a surface, while runoff is the portion of this precipitation that flows over the ground surface and eventually enters streams, rivers, or other water bodies.
Discuss the factors influencing the time of concentration in watershed hydrology.
The time of concentration in watershed hydrology is influenced by factors such as watershed size, topography, land use, soil characteristics, and the flow path length, all of which collectively determine the time taken for rainfall to travel from the hydraulically most distant point to the outlet.
Define the purpose and function of a spillway in dam design.
A spillway in dam design serves the purpose of safely conveying excess water from a reservoir to prevent overtopping and potential dam failure, thus ensuring controlled discharge during periods of high flow.
Define biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and explain its implications for water quality assessment.
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is the amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by microorganisms during the decomposition of organic matter in water, serving as a key indicator in water quality assessment by reflecting the level of organic pollution and potential for oxygen depletion in aquatic ecosystems.
Discuss the concept of hydraulic conductivity and its significance in groundwater flow in 1 sentence
Hydraulic conductivity is the measure of a material’s ability to transmit water, influencing groundwater flow by determining the rate at which water can move through subsurface formations and impacting the design of wells and underground structures.
Explain the purpose of coagulation and flocculation in water treatment processes.
Coagulation and flocculation in water treatment processes serve the purpose of destabilizing and aggregating suspended particles, respectively, to facilitate their removal by settling or filtration, improving the overall clarity and quality of treated water.
Discuss the role of disinfection in ensuring the safety of drinking water.
Disinfection is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of drinking water by eliminating or inactivating pathogenic microorganisms, preventing the spread of waterborne diseases, and maintaining public health standards.
Discuss the key components and goals of the Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act, enacted in 1972, aims to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters by regulating the discharge of pollutants, establishing water quality standards, and promoting pollution prevention and control measures.
Explain the concept of sewer surcharge and its potential implications.
Sewer surcharge refers to the condition when the capacity of a sewer system is exceeded, leading to the backup of wastewater, potential overflows, and increased risk of environmental contamination and property damage.
