Watersheds Flashcard

Front

What is the largest watershed in the United States?

Back

The Mississippi River Watershed.

Front

What is a divide in the context of watersheds?

Back

A barrier, such as a ridge, hill, or mountain, that separates one watershed land area from another.

Front

What is the process called when water droplets in clouds become heavy and fall back to earth?

Back

Precipitation.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Water that collects in cracks and pores in underground soil and rock layers.

Front

What happens when runoff picks up fertilizers and enters a water body?

Back

It can lead to harmful rapid growth of algae.

Front

Define a watershed.

Back

An area of land that drains rainwater or snow into one location, such as a river, lake, or ocean.

Front

What is surface water?

Back

Water that collects on the surface of the ground, such as rivers, lakes, and ponds.

Front

What is the role of vegetation in a watershed?

Back

Vegetation helps to absorb rainfall, reduce runoff, and prevent soil erosion.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Water that flows over the ground surface and returns to bodies of water.