Hydrology 1 n 2 Flashcards
(39 cards)
Definition: Hydrology
The science of water that deals with its occurrence, circulation, and distribution on Earth and in the atmosphere.
Definition: Scientific hydrology
The theoretical study of water movement, occurrence, and distribution.
Definition: Engineering hydrology
The practical application of hydrological principles in engineering projects.
Definition: Hydrologic cycle
The continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff.
Definition: Evaporation
The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas at temperatures below its boiling point.
Definition: Condensation
The process by which water vapor changes into liquid water, forming clouds and precipitation.
Definition: Precipitation
Any form of water (rain, snow, sleet, hail) falling from the atmosphere to Earth’s surface.
Definition: Runoff
Water that flows over the land surface toward streams, lakes, or oceans.
Definition: Infiltration
The process by which water soaks into the soil and replenishes groundwater.
Definition: Transpiration
The release of water vapor from plants into the atmosphere.
Definition: Percolation
The movement of water through soil and porous rock layers.
Definition: Water table
The upper boundary of the saturated zone in the ground where soil and rock are filled with water.
Definition: Aquifer
A water-bearing rock formation that can transmit water to wells and springs.
Definition: Saltwater intrusion
The movement of saltwater into freshwater aquifers due to over-pumping or rising sea levels.
Fill in the blank: The hydrologic cycle is driven by __.
solar energy.
Fill in the blank: The process where water enters the ground and becomes groundwater is called __.
infiltration.
Fill in the blank: __ occurs when precipitation is not absorbed by the soil and moves across the land surface.
Runoff.
Definition: Precipitation
Any form of water (liquid or solid) that falls from the atmosphere to Earth’s surface.
Definition: Rain
Liquid precipitation in the form of water droplets larger than 0.5 mm in diameter.
Definition: Drizzle
Fine, light rain with water droplets smaller than 0.5 mm in diameter.
Definition: Snow
Frozen precipitation consisting of ice crystals that combine to form flakes.
Definition: Hail
Irregular ice pellets or lumps larger than 8 mm, formed in strong thunderstorms.
Definition: Sleet
Frozen raindrops that take the form of clear ice grains.
Definition: Glaze
A layer of ice formed when rain or drizzle freezes on contact with a cold surface.
