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Free Online Flashcard Deck

6 Water Systems and Human Impacts Free Online FlashCards

Study 6 Water Systems and Human Impacts with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.

12 cards
01
Front

What processes make up evapotranspiration?

Back

Evapotranspiration is the combined return of water vapor to the atmosphere through evaporation from surfaces and transpiration by plants.

02
Front

What is a watershed?

Back

A watershed is the area of land that drains to a shared outlet, such as a stream, lake, or river.

03
Front

What factors affect the amount and timing of runoff?

Back

Runoff amount and timing depend on precipitation, slope, soils, vegetation, and land cover.

04
Front

What relationship does a water budget express?

Back

A water budget tracks storage change as inflow minus outflow: Inflow−outflow=change in water storage\text{Inflow} - \text{outflow} = \text{change in water storage}.

05
Front

What is base flow?

Back

Base flow is groundwater seeping into a river and helping sustain its flow between storms.

06
Front

What can happen when groundwater pumping exceeds replenishment?

Back

If groundwater withdrawals exceed replenishment over time, aquifer levels can fall, reducing water available to springs and streamflow.

07
Front

How do impervious surfaces affect water movement?

Back

Impervious surfaces reduce infiltration and can increase the amount and speed of runoff reaching streams.

08
Front

How can water contamination be reduced as water moves through the cycle?

Back

Protecting streamside vegetation, preventing pollutants at their source, and treating wastewater can reduce contamination.

09
Front

What approaches support whole-watershed water management?

Back

Management can monitor river flows and groundwater levels, match withdrawals to supplies, conserve water, protect recharge areas, and coordinate upstream and downstream decisions.

10
Front

How can wetlands reduce flood impacts?

Back

Wetlands can store water and help control flooding and erosion.

11
Front

What does green infrastructure do with stormwater?

Back

Rain gardens, permeable pavement, vegetated swales, green roofs, and rainwater storage can capture, slow, or filter stormwater near where it falls.

12
Front

How can rivers and aquifers exchange water?

Back

Groundwater can replenish rivers, while river water can seep into and replenish aquifers. The direction and rate vary with geology, water levels, and season.