Rivers and Groundwater

Aquifer

A water-containing, underground layer of rock. Aquifer. An aquifer is a natural underground area where water is stored in rocks or sediments and can be used as a water source.

Artesian well

A well in which water rises due to pressure. Artesian well. An artesian well is a type of well where water naturally flows to the surface without pumping because it is under pressure.

Bed load

The sediment carried by a river bed load. Bed load is the heavier particles like sand, gravel, and pebbles that roll or bounce along the riverbed.

Channel

A path along which water flows. Channel. In Science, a channel is a passageway or conduit through which fluids, signals, or particles are transported.

Delta

A large mass of sediment deposited at the mouth of a river. Delta. A delta is a landform created by the accumulation of sediment where a river meets a larger body of water like an ocean or lake.

Deposition

The process of dropping sediment by water or wind. deposition. Deposition is when wind or water carries particles and then leaves them behind in a new place.

Desalination

The removal of salt from seawater to get freshwater. Desalination. Desalination is a process that removes salt and other impurities from seawater to produce drinkable freshwater.

Drainage divide

A high ridge that separates two water drains. Drainage divide. A drainage divide is a boundary, often a ridge, that directs water flow into different drainage systems.

Flood plain

A wide valley through which a river flows and can overflow. Flood plain. A flood plain is flat land near a river that can flood during heavy rain.

Geyser

A hot spring that periodically shoots water and steam into the air. Geyser. A geyser is a natural feature where underground water is heated by volcanic activity and erupts at the surface.

Groundwater

Rain and melted snow that is stored in underground soil and rock. Groundwater. Groundwater is the water found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil and rock.

Impermeable

Does not allow water to pass through easily. Impermeable. In Science, impermeable means a material that does not let liquids, like water, flow through it.

Irrigation

The process of supplying water to land to grow crops. Irrigation is the method of providing water to plants to help them grow when rainfall is insufficient.

Nonpoint source pollution

Pollution that comes from many sources. Nonpoint source pollution. It is pollution that originates from numerous widespread sources rather than a single, identifiable source.

Permeable

Describes rock or soil that allows water to seep through. Permeable. In simple terms, permeable means that water can pass through materials like soil or rock.

Point source pollution

Pollution that comes from a specific source. Point source pollution. It is a type of pollution that originates from a single, identifiable location, like a factory's smokestack.

Saturated zone

A layer of rock where all the spaces are filled with groundwater. Saturated zone. The saturated zone is the area underground where all the pores and cracks in the rocks are completely filled with water.

Spring

A place where groundwater flows to the surface. Spring. A spring is where underground water naturally flows to the Earth's surface, often forming a small stream or pool.

Tributary

A stream that flows into a lake or river. Tributary. A tributary is a smaller stream or river that feeds into a larger one, contributing to its flow.

Water cycle

The constant movement of water through Earth and its atmosphere, by evaporation, condensation and precipitation. Water cycle. The water cycle is how water moves from the ground to the sky and back again.

Water pollution

The addition of harmful substances to water. Water pollution. Water pollution is when harmful chemicals and waste make water unsafe for living things.

Water table

The top surface of underground water. Water table. The water table is the level below which the ground is saturated with water.

Watershed

A land area from which water drains into a river system. Watershed. In simple terms, a watershed is like a big funnel that collects rainwater and channels it into a river, lake, or other body of water.

Wetland

An area of land that is periodically underwater. Wetland. Wetlands are natural areas where water covers the soil, creating a unique environment for plants and animals.