Unit 8 Vocabulary

Question 1

Aquifer –

Answer 1

Aquifer – a permeable rock layer that can hold or transport water

Question 2

Catastrophic event –

Answer 2

Catastrophic event – a violent, usually destructive, natural occurrence

Question 3

Deposition –

Answer 3

Deposition – process by which weathered and eroded material is deposited by wind, water, or ice

Question 4

Ecoregion-

Answer 4

Ecoregion- area of land that has a distinct group of plants, animals, and other species

Question 5

Erosion –

Answer 5

Erosion – process by which weathered material is moved by wind, water, or ice

Question 6

Groundwater –

Answer 6

Groundwater – water beneath the Earth’s surface

Question 7

Permeability –

Answer 7

Permeability – ability of a material to allow water to pass through

Question 8

Recharge zone –

Answer 8

Recharge zone – surface land area where water enters an aquifer

Question 9

Surface water –

Answer 9

Surface water – water that collects above the surface of the ground

Question 10

Watershed –

Answer 10

Watershed – an area of land where all of the groundwater and surface water from the area drains from higher areas to lower areas and into the same body of water

Question 11

Water table –

Answer 11

Water table – the highest level of groundwater in an area, beneath the Earth’s surface

Question 12

Weathering –

Answer 12

Weathering – process by which exposed rock and other surfaces are broken down; caused by elements of weather (wind, water, ice) or other mechanisms (physical, chemical, biological)