Aquifers
A permeable layer of rock and sediment that contains groundwater
Unconfined Aquifers
An aquifer made of porous rock covered by soil, which water can easily flow into and out of
Confined Aquifers
An aquifer surrounded by a layer of impermeable rock or clay that impedes water flow
Water Table
The uppermost level at which the water in a given area fully saturates rock or soil
Groundwater Recharge
A process by which water percolates through the soil and works its way into 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An area from which the groundwater has been rapidly withdrawn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 Waters
A lake with a low level of productivity as a result of low amounts of nutrients in the water
Mesotrophic Waters
A lake with a moderate level of productivity
Eutrophic Waters
A lake with a high level of productivity
Impermeable Surfaces
Pavement or buildings that do not allow water penetration
Levee
An enlarged bank built up on each side of a river to prevent flooding
Dikes
A structure built to prevent ocean waters from flooding adjacent land
Dam
A barrier that runs across a river or stream to control the flow of water
Reservoir
A body of water created by blocking the natural flow of a waterway
Fish Ladders
A stair-like structure that allows migrating fish to get around a dam
Aqueducts
A canal or ditch used to carry water from one location to another
Desalinization
The process of removing the salt from salt water
Hydroponic Agriculture
The cultivation of plants in greenhouse conditions by immersing roots in a nutrient-rich solution
Gray Water
Wastewater from baths, showers, bathrooms, and washing machines