Watersheds DOL 12/2-3

Front

What percentage of Earth’s water is freshwater, available for ecosystems and human use?

Back

2.5%

Front

What is the term for water falling from the atmosphere to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail?

Back

Precipitation

Front

Which of the following is the primary source of recharge for groundwater aquifers?

Back

Precipitation that infiltrates the soil

Front

What is a watershed?

Back

A watershed is an area of land where all the water that falls as precipitation drains into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, including processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration.

Front

What is infiltration?

Back

Infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves across the ground and eventually enters rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is stored underground in soil and rock layers, filling the spaces between particles.

Front

What is the difference between surface water and groundwater?

Back

Surface water is found in bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and ponds, while groundwater is found beneath the Earth's surface.

Front

What role do plants play in the water cycle?

Back

Plants absorb water from the soil and release it into the atmosphere through a process called transpiration.