Glossary
Agriculture
The practice of farming, which significantly impacts the water cycle through irrigation demands and potential runoff of fertilizers and pesticides.
Example:
Large-scale agriculture in arid regions often relies heavily on groundwater pumping, leading to aquifer depletion.
Climate Change
Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, often exacerbated by human activities, which can alter precipitation patterns and water availability.
Example:
Rising global temperatures due to climate change can lead to more intense droughts in some regions and more severe floods in others.
Deforestation
The clearing of forests for other land uses, which significantly impacts the water cycle by reducing transpiration and increasing runoff.
Example:
Extensive deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has led to increased soil erosion and altered regional rainfall patterns.
Evaporation
The process by which liquid water changes into water vapor and rises into the atmosphere, primarily driven by solar energy.
Example:
After a summer rain shower, the sun quickly causes puddles on the sidewalk to disappear through evaporation.
Evapotranspiration
The combined process by which water is transferred from the land surface to the atmosphere through evaporation from surfaces and transpiration from plants.
Example:
In a lush rainforest, high rates of evapotranspiration contribute significantly to the local humidity and cloud formation.
Hydrologic Cycle
The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It is crucial for transporting nutrients and other substances globally.
Example:
The hydrologic cycle ensures that water evaporated from the ocean eventually returns to land as rain, replenishing freshwater sources.
Percolation
The downward movement of water through soil and rock layers into the ground, replenishing groundwater aquifers.
Example:
In a sandy soil, water from rainfall quickly undergoes percolation, reaching the water table below.
Plant Uptake
The absorption of water by plant roots from the soil, which is then used for photosynthesis and other metabolic processes.
Example:
During a drought, plants struggle with plant uptake, leading to wilting and reduced growth.
Pollution
The introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment, which can degrade water quality and deplete usable water supplies.
Example:
Industrial discharge can cause severe water pollution, making rivers unsafe for aquatic life and human consumption.
Precipitation
Any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
Example:
A sudden afternoon thunderstorm brought heavy precipitation, quickly filling the dry creek bed.
Surface Runoff
Water that flows over the land surface, rather than infiltrating the ground, eventually entering streams, rivers, and oceans.
Example:
After a heavy downpour on a paved parking lot, significant surface runoff can be observed flowing into storm drains.
Transpiration
The process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through small pores (stomata) in their leaves.
Example:
A large oak tree can release hundreds of liters of water into the air daily through transpiration, acting like a natural air conditioner.
Urbanization
The process of population shift from rural to urban areas, leading to increased impervious surfaces and higher water demand.
Example:
Rapid urbanization can increase surface runoff and reduce groundwater recharge due to extensive concrete and asphalt.
Water Diversion
The redirection of water from its natural course, typically through dams, canals, or pipes, for human uses like irrigation or municipal supply.
Example:
The construction of a large dam for water diversion can drastically alter downstream ecosystems and reduce water flow to natural wetlands.