P1A 06Glossary of Key Terms

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Urbanization

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The expansion of cities into rural regions, including activities like infrastructure development.

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Impermeable Surfaces

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Surfaces that do not allow water to infiltrate into the ground, such as asphalt roads, roofs, and concrete.

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Surface Runoff

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Water that flows over the surface of the land during and after a rainfall event.

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Storm Water Sewers

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Large underground pipes designed to quickly move water away from settled areas to a nearby river.

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Lag Time

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The time between the peak rainfall intensity and the peak river discharge.

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Peak Discharge

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The maximum rate of flow in a river during a rainfall event.

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Rising Limb

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The portion of a hydrograph that shows the increase in river discharge after a rainfall event.

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Falling Limb

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The portion of a hydrograph that shows the decrease in river discharge after the peak discharge.

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Deforestation

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The removal or clearing of vegetation, particularly forests.

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Baseflow

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The portion of river discharge that comes from groundwater infiltration.