Impact on Water

Front

Algal Bloom Noun

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[al-guhl bloom]

Back

Algal Bloom

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A rapid increase in the population of algae in an aquatic system, often caused by an overabundance of nutrients.

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Example: The image shows how warming water and rainfall increase algal blooms in freshwater.

Front

Aquifer Noun

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[ak-wuh-fer]

Back

Aquifer

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An underground layer of permeable rock or sediment that holds a significant amount of water.

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Example: The image shows an underground layer storing water, illustrating how aquifers work.

Front

Biosphere Noun

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[bahy-oh-sfeer]

Back

Biosphere

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The regions of the surface, atmosphere, and hydrosphere of the earth that are occupied by living organisms.

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Example: The image shows the biosphere, including the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere, where life exists.

Front

Brackish Water Noun

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[brak-ish waw-ter]

Back

Brackish Water

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Water that is a mixture of freshwater and saltwater, commonly found in coastal areas like estuaries.

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Example: Freshwater from rivers mixes with saltwater from the ocean in estuaries, creating brackish water.

Front

Conservation Noun

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[kon-ser-vey-shuhn]

Back

Conservation

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The act of protecting, preserving, and carefully managing natural resources to prevent loss or waste.

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Example: The image shows Earth as a water source being tapped, illustrating the need to conserve water.

Front

Dam Noun

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[dam]

Back

Dam

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A barrier constructed across a river to hold back water, forming a reservoir or generating electricity.

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Example: A diagram of a dam showing how it holds back water to form a reservoir.

Front

Dead Zone Noun

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[ded zohn]

Back

Dead Zone

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An area in a body of water with oxygen levels too low to support most aquatic life.

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Example: The image shows a dead zone where low oxygen levels prevent most aquatic life from surviving.

Front

Erosion Noun

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[ih-roh-zhuhn]

Back

Erosion

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The process by which natural forces like wind and water wear away and transport soil and rock.

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Example: Wind moves sand and dust in a desert, showing erosion by transporting particles.

Front

Estuary Noun

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[es-choo-er-ee]

Back

Estuary

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A coastal body of water where freshwater from a river mixes with salt water from the ocean.

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Example: The image shows a river flowing into the ocean, demonstrating how freshwater mixes with saltwater in an estuary.

Front

Fertilizer Noun

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[fur-tl-ahy-zer]

Back

Fertilizer

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A chemical or natural substance added to soil to increase its fertility and help plants grow.

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Example: The image shows how fertilizers help plants grow by improving soil fertility through mineral uptake and decomposition.