The Structure of the Hydrosphere

Front

tributary

Back

A smaller stream, creek, or river that feeds into a larger lake, river, or ocean.

Front

delta

Back

A landform created at the mouth of a river by the deposition of sediments carried by running water.

Front

brackish

Back

Mixture of saltwater and freshwater.

Front

estuary

Back

Where a river meets the ocean, creating a unique freshwater and saltwater ecosystem.

Front

Ice Caps and Glaciers

Back

Frozen freshwater in large ice sheets.

Front

Groundwater

Back

Water underground in soil or rock.

Front

Aquifer

Back

Underground layer that holds water.

Front

surface water

Back

water on Earth's surface

Front

Water Table

Back

Top level of groundwater.

Front

Impermeable

Back

Does not let water pass.