SCIENCE REVIEW

CHAPTER 4

Hydrologic Cycle 97.2% - Found in ocean

2.15% - Found in ice/sheets/glaciers
.65% - Found in surface/groundwater
Total groundwater volume is __ 50
times that of surface fresh
water
Highest velocity in Center at surface
Ability to erode depends on Velocity
Gradient is Slope of a steam channel (rise/run)
_________ slope means more Steeper
energy is available
Larger channel is more efficient Lesser
because of the _______ contact
with the ground
Smooth channel = More uniform flow; faster flow on outside of curve due to
inertia
Discharge Overall volume at a given point; fluctuates with the season
Base Level Lowest point to which a stream can erode its channel
Sea Level Ultimate base level
Temporary Base Level Lakes, resistant, rock layers, main stream
Competence Measures maximum particle size of particles
Capacity Maximum load a stream can carry
Alluvial Fans occur in Arid Climates
Deltas Fan shaped; level; form where river enters a lake/ocean
Smaller channels within an Tributaries
Alluvial fan
Typical of young rivers Narrow River Valleys
“V” _________ Over time
Outside of meander Erosion
Inside of meander Deposition
Floods caused by Heavy rain and rapid snowmelt
Flash floods In small rivers/streams; no advance warning
Wide stream valley progression Meanders, Cutoffs, Oxbow Lakes
Human structures _______ floods Worsen
Increased frequency + severity Decreased lag time
Artificial Levees and Flood- Man-made flood control
control dams are examples of
Watershed Land area drained by a river; drainage basin
Divide High terrain separating two adjacent watersheds
Groundwater is __ % of total 40
water use
__ % of the population uses 50
groundwater
40% use is for ____________ Agriculture
25% use if for ________________ Industrial Needs
Precipitation is _____ ________ for Main source
subsurface water
Infiltration affected by minerals Slope
and _______
Zone of acration Soil pores contain air and water
Zone of saturation Top = water table; also capillary figure
Permeability Measure of how easily it will allow water to flow through it
Porous rocks Not necessarily permeable
Aquitard Impermeable layer
Aquifer High porosity + permeable
Geyser Hot spring that periodically erupts
Wells Dig a deep enough hole & you’ll find water
Well uses Drinking (LONG ISLAND), agriculture, etc.
Artesian Wells Where water will rise toward the surface; usually involves
Aquifers and Aquitards when the Aquifer is sandwiched
between two Aquitards
Subsidence is a type of Environmental problem
LI’s east end = Saltwater intrusion
Water dissolved Rock
Caverns Most common in limestone areas; start as watter, dissolved
rock along fractures
Formations of Caverns Stalactites & Stalagmites; pillars, Cave Bacon, Sinkholes,
Karst Topography – KY, TN, AL, IN, FL (most)