Watersheds and Groundwater

Front

What is a watershed?

Back

A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains to the same body of water.

Front

What factors determine the path of precipitation when it hits the ground?

Back

The path of precipitation is determined by what it hits (rock, asphalt, or soft dirt), gravity, and topography (shape of the land).

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is water that flows along Earth's surface after precipitation.

Front

What is surface water?

Back

Surface water is runoff that collects into bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and ponds.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is stored underground in aquifers.

Front

What is an aquifer?

Back

An aquifer is a geological formation that can store and transmit groundwater.

Front

What is the negative effect of human activity on groundwater?

Back

Groundwater can get contaminated by substances released on the ground.

Front

What is the primary source of irrigation water for US agriculture?

Back

Groundwater is the primary source of irrigation water for US agriculture.

Front

What is topography?

Back

Topography refers to the shape and features of the land surface.

Front

What is a divide in hydrology?

Back

A divide is a ridge or elevated area that separates one watershed from another.