Hydro 4: Surface Water

Front

What is eutrophication?

Back

Eutrophication is the process by which water bodies become enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants.

Front

What are nitrates?

Back

Nitrates are chemical compounds that contain nitrogen and oxygen, often found in fertilizers, and can contribute to water pollution.

Front

What is the impact of increased nitrates in water?

Back

Increased nitrates can lead to excessive plant growth, particularly algae, which can deplete oxygen in the water and harm aquatic life.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, often from rain or melting snow, that moves over land and can carry pollutants into bodies of water.

Front

What is a watershed?

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between fertilizers and water quality?

Back

Fertilizers can lead to nutrient runoff into water bodies, causing pollution and contributing to problems like eutrophication.

Front

What happens to fish populations during eutrophication?

Back

Eutrophication can lead to decreased oxygen levels in water, which can result in the death of fish and other aquatic organisms.

Front

What is algae bloom?

Back

An algae bloom is a rapid increase in the population of algae in water, often caused by excess nutrients like nitrates.

Front

How does increased plant growth affect aquatic ecosystems?

Back

Increased plant growth can lead to oxygen depletion in water, harming fish and other aquatic life.

Front

What is a river basin?

Back

A river basin is the land area drained by a river and its tributaries, including all the land that contributes water to that river.