Vocab
Water above Earth’s surface
surface water
the path that a stream follow
channel
What is used to calculate a stream’s discharge?
the volume of water that flows over time
Describe how a raindrop could become surface water, then groundwater, and then end up back up on Earth’s surface again.
After a rainstorm, a raindrop enters the rivers, streams, lakes, and other surface water. It then could trickle down into the ground and into an aquifer. This groundwater could reach the surface again, through a well or spring, or another place the water table meets the surface.
The water found in the spaces between rock particles below Earth’s surface
groundwater
the area of land that is drained by a river system
watershed
What would increase the effect of erosion in a watershed?
steep slope
What are the three factors that describe the movement of surface water in streams and rivers? Explain them.
Gradient-
Flow-
Stream load-
is the upper boundary, or surface, of groundwater.
water table
is a body of rock or sediment that stores groundwater and allows it to flow
an aquifer
What is the name for all the materials carried by a stream other than the water itself?
stream load
How does permeability relate to the usefulness of an aquifer?
Permeability is a measure of how easily water can flow through an aquifer. High permeability means that the pores in an aquifer are connected, allowing water to flow easily. So a useful aquifer has high permeability.
is a smaller stream that feeds into a river and eventually into a river system
tributary
What is a measure of the amount of open spaces between the particles of rock and soil?
porosity
The groundwater in a certain area is being pumped out to provide drinking water. What must happen for the water table to remain unchanged?
The rate of discharge must equal the rate of recharge.
Watersheds are separated from one other by a ridge or an area of higher ground
divide
What is an incorrect statement about the flow of water through watersheds?
Plant life often alters the flow of water in a watershed by causing erosion.