Aquifer
A permiable layer of rock and sediment that contains ground water.
Unconfined Aquifer
An aquifer made of porous rock covered by soil, which water can easily flow in and out of.
Confined Aquifer
An aquifer surrounded by a layer of impermeable rock that impedes water flow.
Water Table
The uppermost level at which the water in an area fully saturates rocks and soil.
Groundwater Recharge
Process when water percolates through soil and through an aquifer.
Springs
A natural source of water formed when water from an aquifer percolates up to the ground surface.
Artesian Wells
A well created by drilling a hole into a confined aquifer.
Cone Of Depression
An area where groundwater has been rapidly withdrawn.
Saltwater Intrusion
An infiltration of salt water in an area where groundwater pressure has been reduced from extensive drilling of wells.
Floodplain
The land adjacent to a river.
Oligotrophic Lake
A lake with low level of productivity as a result of low amounts of nutrients in water.
Mesotrophic Lake
A lake with a moderate level of productivity.
Eutrophic Lake
A lake with high level of productivity.
Impermeable Surface
Pavement or buildings that do not allow water penetration.
Levee
An enlarged bank built up on each side of a river.
Dikes
A structure built to prevent ocean waters from flooding adjacent to land.
Dam
A barrier that runs across a river to control the flow of water.
Resevoir
A body of water created by blocking the natural flow of a waterway.
Fish Ladder
A stair-like structure that allows migrating fish to get around a dam.
Aqueduct
A canal or ditch used to carry water from one location to another.
Desalinization
The process of removing salt from salt water.
Hydroponic Agriculture
The cultivation of plants in greenhouse conditions by immersing roots in a nutrient rich soil.
Gray Water
Wastewater from baths, showers, bathrooms, and washing machines.