Which Way to the Sea

Science

A water-containing, underground layer of rock

Aquifer

A water-containing, underground layer of rock. Aquifer. An aquifer is a natural storage area for groundwater that can supply wells and springs.

A line on a topographic map connecting points of equal elevation

Contour line

A line on a topographic map connecting points of equal elevation. Contour line. A contour line on a map shows where the ground is the same height above sea level.

A large mass of sediment deposited at the mouth of a river

Delta

A large mass of sediment deposited at the mouth of a river. Delta. A delta is a landform where a river spreads out and deposits sediment as it enters a larger body of water, like an ocean.

When a water becomes overly enriched with nutrients which causes rapid growth of algae

Eutrophication

When water becomes overly enriched with nutrients which causes rapid growth of algae, eutrophication occurs. Eutrophication is the process where excess nutrients in water lead to excessive algae growth, which can harm aquatic ecosystems.

A wide valley through which a river flows and can overflow

Flood plain

A wide valley through which a river flows and can overflow. Flood plain. A flood plain is a flat area of land near a river that can become submerged in water when the river overflows its banks.

Rain and melted snow that is stored in underground soil and rock

Groundwater

Rain and melted snow that is stored in underground soil and rock. Groundwater. Groundwater is the water found beneath the Earth's surface stored in soil and rock layers.

The source of a river, the set of streams that feed into the river's beginning

Headwaters

The source of a river, the set of streams that feed into the river's beginning. headwaters. Headwaters are where a river begins, usually in small streams or springs.

Any characteristic that can help in defining or classifying a particular system

Parameter

Any characteristic that can help in defining or classifying a particular system. parameter. In Science, a parameter is a variable that defines or limits a system's behavior or function.

The scale of how basic or acidic a solution is based on hydrogen ion concentration

The scale of how basic or acidic a solution is based on hydrogen ion concentration. pH. pH measures how acidic or basic a substance is, ranging from 0 very acidic to 14 very basic, with 7 being neutral.

A plant habitats and communities along the river margins and banks

Riparian vegetation

A plant habitats and communities along the river margins and banks. riparian vegetation. Riparian vegetation consists of plants that grow along riverbanks, helping to protect the ecosystem by stabilizing soil and filtering water.

A white circular disk used to measure water transparency or turbidity in bodies of water

Secchi disk

A white circular disk used to measure water transparency or turbidity in bodies of water. Secchi disk. It is a tool scientists use to see how clear or murky water is.

A place where groundwater flows to the surface

Spring

A place where groundwater flows to the surface. Spring. A spring is where underground water naturally emerges from the ground, often forming a small stream or pool.

A device for measuring turbidity, the haziness of a fluid, in shallow waters

Turbidity tube

A device for measuring turbidity, the haziness of a fluid, in shallow waters. Turbidity tube. A turbidity tube is a simple tool used to see how clear or cloudy water is.

A land area from which water drains into a river system

Watershed

A land area from which water drains into a river system. watershed. A watershed is a region where all the water flows to a common river, stream, or other body of water.