Groundwater & Surface Water in a Watershed

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 body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is stored beneath the Earth's surface in soil and rock formations, filling the spaces and cracks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Front

What is surface water?

Back

Surface water is water that collects on the surface of the ground, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

Define permeability.

Back

Permeability is the ability of rock or sediment to allow fluids to pass through its open spaces or pores.

Front

What type of sediment is most permeable?

Back

Sand is generally the most permeable type of sediment, allowing water to flow through easily.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, often from rain or melted snow, that moves across the ground and can carry pollutants into bodies of water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

How do pollutants affect local pond life?

Back

Pollutants can harm local pond life by contaminating the water, disrupting ecosystems, and causing health issues for aquatic organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

What is the relationship between impermeable surfaces and groundwater recharge?

Back

Impermeable surfaces, like concrete, prevent water from soaking into the ground, reducing groundwater recharge.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is the impact of fertilizers on water quality?

Back

Fertilizers can lead to nutrient pollution in water bodies, causing algal blooms that deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

What is the difference between point source and non-point source pollution?

Back

Point source pollution comes from a single, identifiable source (like a factory), while non-point source pollution comes from multiple, diffuse sources (like agricultural runoff).