AP Environmental Science Chapter 9: Water Vocab

a permeable layer of rock and sediment that contains groundwater

an aquifer made of porous rock covered by soil out of which water can easily flow

an aquifer surrounded by a layer of impermeable rock or clay that impedes water flow

the uppermost level at which the water in a given area fully saturates rock or soil

a process by which water percolates through the soil and works its way into an aquifer

a natural source of water formed when water from an aquifer percolates up to the ground surface

a well created by drilling a hole into a confined aquifer

an area lacking groundwater due to rapid withdrawal by a well

an infiltration of salt water in an area where groundwater pressure has been reduced from extensive drilling of wells

the land adjacent to a river

pavement or buildings that do not allow water penetration

an enlarged bank built up on each side of a river

a structure built to prevent ocean waters from flooding adjacent land

a barrier that runs across a river or stream to control the flow of water

a water body created by damming a river or stream

a stair-like structure that allows migrating fish to get around a dam

a canal or ditch used to carry water from one location to another

the process of removing the salt from salt water

a process of desalination in which water is boiled and the resulting steam is captured and condensed to yield pure water

a process of desalination in which water is forced through a thin semipermeable membrane at high pressure

the total daily per capita use of fresh water

the cultivation of plants in greenhouse conditions by immersing roots in a nutrient rich solution

a water allocation system that charges rates that increase with the amount of water consumed

a style of landscaping that removes water intensive vegetation from lawns and replaces it with more water-efficient native landscaping

wastewater from baths, showers, bathroom sinks and washing machines

wastewater from toilets, kitchen sinks, and dishwashers