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Glossary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
agricultural pollutionThe liquid and solid wastes from farming, including: runoff and leaching of pesticides and fertilizers; erosion and dust from plowing; animal manure and carcasses; crop residues, and debris.agricultural runoff
Source: http://www.hanford.gov/dqo/glossaries/EPA_GlossaryRev1.htmlSurface water leaving farm fields because of excessive precipitation, irrigation, or snowmelt. Agricultural runoff is grouped into the category of nonpoint-source pollution because the potential pollutants originate over large areas and the point of entry into water bodies cannot be precisely identified.ammonium
Source: http://www.forester.net/sw_0305_impact.html
The primary form of nitrogen applied in fertilizers. The ion NH4 derived from ammonia. Behaves in many respects like an alkali metal ion.antecedent
Source: http://www.landwise.ca/Nutrient/Glossary.htm; http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=ammoniumThe conditions occurring before a particular hydrologic event. For example, antecedent soil moisture conditions prior to a rainfall event will have an influence on infiltration rates.aquatic
Source: http://www.agwt.org/info/A_Terms.aspLiving in the water.aquatic habitat
Source: http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/BMPs/glossary.htmlHabitat with water. Includes areas that are permanently covered by water and surrounding areas that are occasionally covered by water.attenuation
Source: http://coastgis.marsci.uga.edu/summit/k12aquatic.htmFor water velocity: the slowing, modification, or diversion of the flow of water as with detention and retention ponds. For water quality: the process of diminishing contaminant concentrations in water due to filtration, biodegradation, dilution, sorption, volatilization, and other processes.attenuation rate
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 276Rate at which the process slows down or concentration decrease.topB
bank protectionA method of erosion control in which materials (usually rock revetment) are placed along the banks of a river in order to prevent encroachment on adjacent land.bank stabilization
Source: http://buttecreekwatershed.org/ecr/new/glossary.htmThe prevention of channel migration through bank protection.bankfull event (bankfull discharge)
Source: http://buttecreekwatershed.org/ecr/new/glossary.htmA flow condition in which streamflow completely fills the steam channel up to the top of the bank. In undisturbed watersheds, the discharge condition occurs on average every 1.5 to 2 years and controls the shape and form of natural channels.bankfull flow
Source: Schueler, 1987; http://www.epa.gov/nps/MMGI/Chapter4/ch4-8.htmlMaximum amount of discharge (usually measured in cubic feet/second) that a stream channel can carry without overflowing.bankfull stage
Source: http://www.riverwarren.com/page.asp?page=glossaryWater height at bankfull discharge.baseflow
Source: http://www.riverwarren.com/page.asp?page=glossaryThat portion of stream discharge derived from groundwater.baseflow index
Source: ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996, page 542Usually the streamflow volume that occurs during the fall or early winter, e.g., October-December, November-January.benthic
Source: ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996, page 459Associated with the sea bottom.benthic macro invertebrates
Source: http://www.epa.gov/NPs/MMGI/Chapter5/ch5-3.htmlAn animal lacking a backbone or internal skeleton which lives on or near the bottom of a body of water (for example, crayfish, mayflies, and nymphs). Because they spend their entire life cycle in water, they are good indicators of the health of that waterbody.benthic organism (benthos)
Source: http://www.ci.tuscaloosa.al.us/tusc%20web/htm/glossary.htm
A form of aquatic plant or animal life that is found on or near the bottom of a stream, lake or ocean.berm
Source: http://www.hanford.gov/dqo/glossaries/EPA_GlossaryRev1.htmlAn earthen mound used to direct the flow of runoff around or through a best management practice (BMP).best management practices (BMP)
Source: Schueler, 1987; http://www.epa.gov/NPs/MMGI/Chapter4/ch4-8.htmlA method that has been determined to be the most effective, practical means of preventing or reducing pollution from non-point sources.biodiversity
Source: “Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters”, October 2005, EPA 841-B-05-005; http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPs/watershed_handbook/pdf/glossary.pdfA measure of the variety of the Earth's species, of the genetic differences within species, and of the ecosystems that support those species.bioretention
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 278A vegetated depression located on a site that is designed to collect, store and infiltrate runoff. Typically includes a mix of amended soils and vegetation.buffers
Source: http://www.psat.wa.gov/Publications/LID_studies/glossary.htmLand adjoining and immediately adjacent to a stream that provides protection from or filters unwanted constituents.top
Source: http://www.ci.tuscaloosa.al.us/tusc%20web/htm/glossary.htmC
carbon sequestrationThe process by which atmospheric carbon is absorbed in to carbon sinks such as the oceans, forests and soil.catchment
Source: http://www.esd.rgs.org/glossarypopup.htmlA structure in which water is collected; watershed basin.chloride
Source: http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwnAny compound containing a chlorine atom; any salt of hydrochloric acid (containing the chloride ion).coastal habitat
Source: http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwnHabitats above spring high tide limit (or above mean water level in non-tidal waters) occupying coastal features. Characterized by their proximity to the sea, including coastal dunes and wooded coastal dunes, beaches and cliffs. Includes free-draining supralittoral habitats adjacent to marine habitats which are normally only affected by spray or splash, strandlines characterized by terrestrial invertebrates and moist and wet coastal dune slacks and dune-slack pools. Excludes supralittoral rock pools and habitats adjacent to the sea which are not characterized by salt spray, wave or sea-ice erosion.coastal zone
Source: http://eunis.eea.eu.int/habitats-factsheet.jsp?idHabitat=409Lands and waters adjacent to the coast that exert an influence on the uses of the sea and its ecology, or, inversely, whose uses and ecology are affected by the sea.conservation
Source: http://www.hanford.gov/dqo/glossaries/EPA_GlossaryRev1.htmlThe organized management and planned use of living and non-living natural resources. "Water conservation" refers to strategies that increase the efficiency of water use, reuse, recycling, production, or distribution, or that decrease demand.contaminant loading
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 283The measure of the quantity of contaminants (polluting substances) discharged to the environment. The amount of contaminant being carried at a given time.contributing area
Source: http://www.cnv.org/c/DATA/2/107/~~APPENDIX_02%20GLOSSARY%20OF%20TERMS.PDF; http://www.cleanwaterpartnership.org/uppertallapoosa/glossary.cfmSpecific area that contributes a certain amount of matter.cross-sectional area
An important tool in quantifying pollution loads at specific time intervals during storm events, and for calculating phosphorus loads. The "minimum active contributing area" is a percentage of the total catchment area, in accord with the variable source area concept of storm runoff production.
In soil erosion processes, sediment transport models show that detachment by shear forces occurs mainly in areas where water is concentrated (e.g., rills) rather than over a broad areas. Re-entrainment of sediments will take place mainly from the base of the rill. Sources of stream sediments do not necessarily coincide with major soil erosion areas because of the differences in capacity of different parts of a watershed to transport sediments. A source with a high soil erodibility located far from established channels may not contribute as much pollution to a stream as a less erodible source near stream.
Source: Gorokhovich Y. 2000, "Modeling and Potential Use of Hydrologic Contributing Areas For Environmental Applications", 4th International Conference on Integrating GIS and Environmental Modeling (GIS/EM4):Problems, Prospects and Research Needs. Banff, Alberta, Canada, September 2 - 8, 2000; http://www.colorado.edu/research/cires/banff/pubpapers/234/
The area of a stream, channel, or waterway opening, usually taken perpendicular to the stream centerline.top
Source: http://buttecreekwatershed.org/ecr/new/glossary.htmD
Darcy's lawThe basis for much of our understanding of ground water flow in the subsurface environment. Darcy developed the law in the mid-19th century based on a series of experiments in France to understand water filtration.detention pond (detention basin)
Source: LaGrega M., Hazardous Waste Management, 1994, page 149A structure designed to temporarily store stormwater in order to reduce the potential for flooding.digital elevation model
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 286
An array of uniformly spaced elevation data.discharge
Source: Kang-tsung Chang, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, 2004, page 137The volume of water or a watery solution flowing past a point per unit time. Common units are cubic feet per second or cubic meters per second.dissolved oxygen (DO)
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 287Concentration of oxygen, expressed in milligrams per liter, dissolved in water and readily available to fish and other aquatic organisms. Strongly influenced by temperature, biologic activity, biochemical oxygen demand, and chemical oxygen demand.diurnal variation
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 287Fluctuations that occur during each day.downstream
Source: http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=diurnal%20variationIn the same direction as a stream or other flow, or toward the direction in which the flow is moving.drainage basin
Source: http://k12.ocs.ou.edu/teachers/glossary/d.html
The land area drained by a river and its tributaries. Also called catchment, drainage area, river basin, or watershed.drainage system
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 287The system of pipes, channels or watercourses to divert excess of water from some area (agricultural fields, mines, urban areas, etc.).topE
ecosystemThe community of plants and animals within a water or terrestrial habitat interacting together and with their physical and chemical environment.embankment
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 288Fill material, usually earth or rock, placed with sloping sides and usually with length greater than height. All dams are types of embankments.emergent
Source: http://www.srh.weather.gov/srh/jetstream/append/glossary_e.htmRising above a surrounding medium, especially a fluid.emergent plant
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 289A plant rooted in shallow water with much of the stem and most of the leaves above water.erodibility
Source: http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mnh/nature/nhns2/glossary.htmThe susceptibility of a soil to erosion.erosion
Source: http://www.dfr.state.nc.us/glossary/glossary_e.htmThe wearing away of the land surface by wind or water. Erosion occurs naturally from weather or runoff but can be intensified by land-clearing practices related to farming, residential or industrial development, road building, or timber cutting.eutrophication
Source: http://www.epa.gov/NPs/MMGI/Chapter4/ch4-8.htmlEnrichment of an aquatic ecosystem with nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) that accelerate biological productivity (growth of algae and weeds) and an undesirable accumulation of algal biomass.evapotranspiration
Source: “Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters, ” October 2005, EPA 841-B-05-005; http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPs/watershed_handbook/pdf/glossary.pdf
The process by which lakes and streams become enriched, to varying degrees, by concentrations of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Enrichment results in increased plant growth (principal algae) and decay, the latter of which reduces the dissolved oxygen content. Highly eutrophic conditions may be considered undesirable, depending on the human use of the waterbody.
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 290
The process by which water is lost from the earth's surface (evaporation) and from the leaves and stems of plants (transpiration).exotic
Source: Newton David, "Encyclopedia of Water", 2003, page 113A general term that typically describes an organism or species that is not native to the area in which it is found (i.e. it is non-indigenous). Exotic species may be invasive.export coefficients
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 291An estimate of the expected annual amount of a nutrient or water transported from a unit of land to a receptor. Expressed in terms of mass per area per unit of time.top
Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Volunteer Surface Water Monitoring Guide, 2003; http://www.pca.state.mn.us/publications/manuals/vswmg-appendixj.pdfF
filter stripsBelts of vegetation (grass, shrubs, and/or trees) maintained along streams or on the contours insloping fields to trap sediment and agricultural chemicals before they enter waterways.flood control
Source: http://www.dfr.state.nc.us/glossary/glossary_f.htmAct or technique of trying to control rivers with dams to minimize occurrence of floods. The specific regulations and practices that reduce or prevent the damage caused by stormwater runoff.floodplain
Source: http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=flood%20control; http://www.stpetebeach.org/glossary/f.aspThe low-lying land adjoining a river that is sometimes flooded; generally covered by fine-grained sediments (silt and clay) deposited by the river at flood stage.flowpath
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 292An underground route for groundwater movement, extending from a recharge (intake) zone to a discharge (output) zone such as a shallow stream.flux
Source: http://www.kgs.ku.edu/Hydro/GWtutor/PlumeBustersNM/gwGlossary.htmlThe amount of flow per unit time (i.e. energy flux or radiation flux). The rate of flow of any quantity, usually a form of energy, through a unit area of specified surface.forebay
Source: http://k12.ocs.ou.edu/teachers/glossary/f.html; ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996An extra storage space provided near an inlet of a BMP to trap incoming sediments before they accumulate in a pond BMP.top
Source: Schueler, 1987; http://www.epa.gov/NPs/MMGI/Chapter4/ch4-8.htmlG
gabion
Wire basket, filled with stones, used to stabilize banks of a water course and to enhance habitat.geographic information systems
Source: http://www.hydro.mb.ca/our_facilities/build_gen_station/glossary.html
A computer system for capturing, storing, querying, analyzing, and displaying geographically referenced data.greenway
Source: Kang-tsung Chang, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, 2004, page 1Undeveloped land usually in cities, set aside or used for recreation or conservation.groundwater
Source: http://www.nrdc.org/reference/glossary/g.aspWater stored under the surface of the earth. It comes in the vast majority of cases from precipitation that falls on the earth's surface. Some of the precipitation washes away immediately into lakes, rivers, and other water reservoirs, but most of the precipitation sinks into the soil, where it may become groundwater.groundwater contamination
Source: Newton David, "Encyclopedia of Water", 2003, page 143The pollution of springs and wells from their sources underground. It can result from indiscriminate land disposal of potentially hazardous waste materials that are then dissolved or suspended in free liquids, usually water, and leach downward through the unsaturated profile to the zone of saturation or from improperly constructed or operated wells.groundwater recharge
Source: http://www.st.com/stonline/press/news/glossary/g.htmInflow of water to a groundwater reservoir from the surface. Infiltration of precipitation and its movement to the water table is one form of natural recharge. Also, the volume of water added by this process.growing season
Source: http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/dictionary.htmlThe period from the average date of the last frost (in the United States, this occurs in the spring) to the first frost in the fall.top
Source: http://www.geographic.org/glossary.htmlH
habitatThe environment in which a plant or animal grows or lives; the surroundings include physical factors such as temperature, moisture, and light, together with biological factors such as the presence of food and predators.headwaters
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 296The source or upper reaches of a stream; also the upper reaches of a reservoir.herbaceous
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 297With the characteristics of a herb; describes a plant with no persistent woody stem above ground.herbicides
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 297A group of chemicals used to kill or reduce the growth of vegetation that is considered undesirable.hillslope (hillside)
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 297A part of a hill between its crest and the drainage line at the foot of the hill.hillslope hydrology
Source: Jackson Julia (Editor), Glossary of Geology, 4th edition, American Geological Institute, Alexandria, Virginia, 1997, page 299The hydrologic process taking place on hillslopes. Intrinsically related to stream flow generation.hillslope runoff
Source: ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996, page 332Precipitation that flows off hillsides and appears in surface streams.hydraulic conductivity
Source: http://mojave.usgs.gov/rvde/glossary.htmlThe ability of the soil to transmit water. Also commonly known as the permeability.hydraulic gradient
Darcy found that to relate the flow rate to the hydraulic head and area of flow required a constant of proportionality (termed k) as the hydraulic conductivity. It has units of velocity. Note that the value is a function of both the porous media and the fluid.
Source: ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996, page 124; LaGrega M., Hazardous Waste Management, 1994, page 150The rate of change in which the head (or energy) is lost as water flows through porous materials. Defined in algebraic form as: i= (h1-h2)/L where h1: head at location 1 (cm), h2: head at location 2 (cm), and L: length of sand column (cm).hydraulic head
The change in hydraulic head between two points (e.g., the difference in water level between two points divided by the distance between the two points). In an aquifer, the rate of change of total head per unit of distance of flow at a given point and in a given direction. In a stream, the slope of the hydraulic grade line.
Source: LaGrega M., Hazardous Waste Management, 1994, page 150; Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 298; Jackson Julia (Editor), Glossary of Geology, 4th edition, American Geological Institute, Alexandria, Virginia, 1997, page 308The height of the free surface of a body of water above a given subsurface point.hydraulic radius
The water level at a point upstream from a given point downstream.
The elevation of the hydraulic grade line at a given point of a pressure pipe
Source: Jackson Julia (Editor), Glossary of Geology, 4th edition, American Geological Institute, Alexandria, Virginia, 1997, page 308Ratio of the cross-sectional area of the flow at a point in an open channel or closed conduit to the wetted perimeter (R = A/P).hydric soil
Source: http://amsglossary.allenpress.com/glossary/search?id=hydraulic-radius1A soil that is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic (oxygen-lacking) conditions that favor the growth and regeneration of hydrophytic vegetation.hydrograph
Source: http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/sustain/data/authors/glossary.htmA graphical representation or plot of changes in the flow of water or changes in the elevation of water level plotted against time.hydrologic cycle
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 299; http://library.thinkquest.org/C0110238/Lessons/2-4.htmThe hydrologic cycle begins with precipitation that lands on the earth's surface and can be in the form of rain, snow, etc. From there, the water may spread along the ground surface as surface water runoff or overland flow or may seep into the ground and become ground water. Overland flow may continue to concentrate as channel flow, and progressing as stream flow, continuing to concentrate in the form of streams and rivers until ultimately reaching the ocean. Infiltration causes surface water to change into groundwater.hydrologic soil group
Source: LaGrega M., Hazardous Waste Management, 1994, page 147SCS classification system of soils based on the permeability and infiltration rates of the soils. "A" type soils are primarily sandy in nature with a high permeability while "D" type soils are primarily clayey in nature with a low permeability. Other groups include "B" and "C" types."hyporheic zone
Source: Glossary of Stormwater Management Terms and Acronyms, Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook; http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/sw/docs/swm/Glossary.pdfThe volume of sediment and porous space adjacent to a stream, and through which stream water exchanges.hypoxia
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 300A condition in which natural waters have a low concentration of dissolved oxygen (about 2 milligrams per liter as compared with a normal level of 8 to 10 milligrams per liter). Most game and commercial species of fish avoid such waters. Compare with anoxia, which is less than 0.1 milliliter of oxygen per liter, and the threshold below which animal life diminishes significantly.top
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 300I
impervious surfaceA hard surface area that either prevents or retards the entry of water into the soil mantle as under natural conditions prior to development. A hard surface area that causes water to run off the surface in greater quantities or at an increased rate of flow from the flow present under natural conditions prior to development. Common impervious surfaces include, but are not limited to, rooftops, walkways, patios, driveways, parking lots, storage areas, concrete or asphalt paving, gravel roads, packed earthen materials, and oiled, macadam, or other surfaces that similarly impede the natural infiltration of urban runoff. Open, uncovered retention/detention facilities shall not be considered as impervious surfaces.incision
Source: Washington Department of Ecology, 1992; http://www.epa.gov/NPs/MMGI/Chapter4/ch4-8.htmlA depression scratched or carved into a surface.infiltration
Source: http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=incisionThe process by which water enters the soil and that is controlled by the character of the soil and surface conditions, such as slope and amount of vegetation.intermittent
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 301A stream that flows only periodically throughout the year.intertidal
Source: http://www.ci.tuscaloosa.al.us/tusc%20web/htm/glossary.htmCoastal land that is covered by water at high tide and uncovered at low tide.invasive species
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 302A plant or animal that moves in and takes over an ecosystem to the detriment of other species; often the result of environmental manipulation.top
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 302L
land coverA (bio)physical description of the earth's surface. It is that which overlays or currently covers the ground. This description enables various biophysical categories to be distinguished - basically, areas of vegetation (trees, bushes, fields, lawns), bare soil, hard surfaces (rocks, buildings) and wet areas and bodies of water (watercourses, wetlands).land management
Source: European Environment Agency; http://glossary.eea.eu.int/EEAGlossaryThe process of managing the use and development of land resources. Land resources are used for a variety of purposes which interact and may compete with one another; therefore, it is desirable to plan and manage all uses in an integrated manner.land use
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_management
Operations for preparing and controlling the implementation of plans for organizing human activities on land.
Source: European Environment Agency; http://glossary.eea.eu.int/EEAGlossaryThe way land is developed and used in terms of the types of activities allowed (agriculture, residences, industries, etc.) and the size of buildings and structures permitted. Certain types of pollution problems are often associated with particular land uses, such as sedimentation from construction activities.landscape
Source: http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/BMPs/glossary.htmlThe traits, patterns, and structure of a specific geographic area, including its biological composition, its physical environment, and its anthropogenic or social patterns. An area where interacting ecosystems are grouped and repeated in similar form.land-use planning
Source: http://www.epa.gov/OCEPAterms/lterms.htmlA generic term for a wide range of legislative and regulatory activities intended to limit or direct land development for the purpose of making its usage sustainable. Large-scale land-use plans often are implemented by local zoning and land-use ordinances.leachate
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 304Liquid that has moved through a substance, removing solids from the substance, generally by dissolution.leaching
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 304Downward movement of a soluble material through the soil as a result of water movement. The process by which soluble constituents are dissolved and filtered through the soil by a percolating fluid.loading
Source: http://www.epa.gov/NPs/MMGI/Chapter3/ch3-3.html; http://www.epa.gov/OCEPAterms/lterms.htmlAmount of a substance entering the environment (soil, water, or air).top
Source: http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/publicat/arep/glossary.htmlM
macroinvertebrateAny nonvertebrate organism that is large enough to be seen without the aid of a microscope.Manning's roughness coefficient
Source: http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/BMPs/glossary.htmlIndicative of the resistance to the flow. Used in formula to compute the velocity of uniform flow in a open channel: V= 1.486/ n R(2/3) S (1/2), where V is the mean velocity of flow (in cfs units), R is the hydraulic radius in feet, S is the slope of the channel or sine of the slope angle, and n is the Manning roughness coefficient.marsh
Source: http://amsglossary.allenpress.com/glossary/search?id=manning-equation1; Jackson Julia (Editor), Glossary of Geology, 4th edition, American Geological Institute, Alexandria, Virginia, 1997, page 388A type of wetland that does not accumulate appreciable peat deposits and is dominated by herbaceous vegetation. Marshes may be either fresh or saltwater, tidal or non-tidal.microorganism
Source: http://www.epa.gov/OCEPAterms/mterms.html
A microscopic organism. The term encompasses viruses, bacteria, yeast, molds, protozoa, and small algae.mitigation
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 307Actions designed to lessen or reduce adverse impacts. Frequently used in the context of environmental assessment.top
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 307N
nativeEndemic, i.e. confound to certain area, or originated where it was located.native vegetation
Source: Jackson Julia (Editor), Glossary of Geology, 4th edition, American Geological Institute, Alexandria, Virginia, 1997, page 428Endemic vegetation.nitrogen (N)
An element essential to the growth and development of plants. Occurs in manure and chemical fertilizer and, in excess, can cause waters to become polluted by promoting excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants.non-point source pollution
Source: http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/publicat/arep/glossary.htmlIn general, sources of pollutants entering lakes, rivers, oceans, and other waterways can be classified as point or nonpoint sources. A nonpoint source is a extended area from which water flows, usually on an irregular basis. Examples of nonpoint sources include agricultural land, developed land, forests, or landfills.nutrient balance
Source: Newton David, "Encyclopedia of Water", 2003, page 335The difference between nutrient inputs and outputs. When the nutrient balance is close to zero, nutrients applied in manure and fertilizer are closely matched to crop utilization. When the nutrient balance is positive, nutrient inputs exceed outputs. When the nutrient balance is negative, nutrient outputs exceed inputs.nutrient cycle
Source: http://mawaterquality.agecon.vt.edu/Glossary.htmlPathway of a nutrient through an ecosystem from assimilation (transformation into living tissue) by organisms to release by decomposition. The cyclic conversions of nutrients from one form to another within the biological communities.nutrient loading
Source: http://www.hubbardbrook.org/education/Glossary/Glossary.htm; http://www.cleanwaterpartnership.org/uppertallapoosa/glossary.cfmQuantity of nutrients entering an ecosystem in a given period of time. The nutrient load refers to the total amount of nitrogen or phosphorus entering the water during a given time, such as "tons of nitrogen per year".nutrients
Source: http://www.greenfacts.org/glossary/mno/nutrient-loading.htm; http://www.dnr.state.md.us/coastalbays/water_quality/nutrient_load.htmlA group of chemical elements or compounds needed for all plant and animal life. Nitrogen and phosphorus are primary nutrients in aquatic systems. Excessive or imbalanced nutrients in water may cause problems such as accelerated eutrophication.top
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 310O
ordinanceA law or rule enacted by an authority, such as a city government.overland flow
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 310The flow of water over a land surface due to direct precipitation. Generally occurs when the precipitation rate exceeds the infiltration capacity of the soil.top
Source: Fetter, 1994; http://www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/WaterPrograms/Wetlands_Waterways/about_wetlands/glossary.aspP
percolationThe migration of water through the active soil profile into greater depths where it may become groundwater.percolation rate
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 312The rate, usually expressed as a velocity, at which water moves through saturated granular material. Also applies to quantity per unit of time of such movement.perennial stream
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 312A stream that flows throughout the year. During low-flow periods, the flow of perennial streams is baseflow. Perennial streams are typical of humid and subhumid climates, where groundwater reservoirs are subject to substantial wet-season recharge, discharging during dry season.perennial yield
Source: http://www.ci.tuscaloosa.al.us/tusc%20web/htm/glossary.htm; ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996, page 434The maximum quantity of water that can be withdrawn annually from a ground water supply under a given set of conditions without causing an undesirable result.pesticides
Source: ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996, page 327A broad group of chemicals that kills or controls plants (herbicides), fungus (fungicides), insects and arachnids (insecticides), rodents (rodenticides), bacteria (bactericides), or other creatures that are considered pests.phosphorous (P)
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 312
An element essential to the growth and development of plants. Occurs in manure and chemical fertilizer and, in excess, can cause waters to become polluted by promoting excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants.photic zone
Source: http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/publicat/arep/glossary.htmlThe upper water layers from the water surface and extending down to the depth of effective light penetration where photosynthesis balances respiration. This level (the compensation level) usually occurs at the depth of 1 percent light penetration (for example, 1 percent of surface light intensity) and forms the lower boundary of the zone of net metabolic production.photosynthesis
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 313The process by which plants manufacture food from sunlight. Specifically, the conversion of water and carbon dioxide to complex sugars in plant tissues by the action of chlorophyll driven by solar energy.phreatophyte
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 313A plant that habitually obtains its water supply from saturated zone, either directly or through the capillary fringe.plant uptake
Source: ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996, page 327The uptake of a chemical into plants is expressed in terms of a bioconcentration factor for vegetation, which is the ratio of the concentration in the plant tissue to the concentration in soil.plot
Source: http://athena.english.vt.edu/~marmstro/materialt/CTSA%20docs/mod5-3.pdf
A chart or map showing the movements or progress of an object.point source pollution
Source: http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=plotIn general, sources of pollutants entering lakes, rivers, oceans, and other waterways can be classified as point or nonpoint sources. Point sources are municipal or industrial sites that can be specifically identified as the source from which pollutants are released into a waterway. Such sources might include pipes or canals that flow from a municipal sewage system or industrial plant into a waterway.pollutant
Source: Newton David, "Encyclopedia of Water", 2003, page 335A contaminant in a concentration or amount that adversely alters the physical, chemical, or biological properties of the natural environment.pollutant load
Source: "Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters", October 2005, EPA 841-B-05-005; http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPs/watershed_handbook/pdf/glossary.pdfThe amount of pollutants entering a waterbody. Loads are usually expressed in terms of a weight and a time frame, such as pounds per day (lb/d).population density
Source: "Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters", October 2005, EPA 841-B-05-005; http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPs/watershed_handbook/pdf/glossary.pdfThe number per unit area of individuals of any given species, including humans, at a given time.precipitation
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 314Forms in which liquid or solid water fall to the earth from the atmosphere. The most common forms of precipitation are rain, sleet, glaze, snow, mist, drizzle, hail, rime, and graupel. Dew and white frost are sometimes considered forms of precipitation.top
Source: Newton David, "Encyclopedia of Water", 2003, page 244R
rational methodreachMeans of computing peak storm drainage flow rates based on average percent imperviousness of the site, mean rainfall intensity, and drainage area.
Source: Glossary of Stormwater Management Terms and Acronyms, Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook; http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/SW/docs/swm/Glossary.pdf
In hydraulics, the expression of peak discharge (in cfs units) as equal to rainfall (in inches/hr) times drainage area (in acres) times a runoff coefficient depending on drainage basin characteristics.
Source: Jackson Julia (Editor), Glossary of Geology, 4th edition, American Geological Institute, Alexandria, Virginia, 1997, page 532
The Rational Method has served as the basis for United States storm drain design practice since the turn of the 20th century. It is essentially a peak discharge method based on the following formula: Q = kCiA ; where Q is the peak flow rate in m3/s for return interval T years, C is the runoff coefficient dependent on land use, i is the design rainfall intensity in cm per hour for return period of T years and duration equal to the time of concentration for the basin, A is the drainage area in hectares, and k =0.0278, the number of m3/s in one hectare-cm/hour.
Source: ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996, page 579A segment of a stream channel.recession limb of hydrograph (falling limb)
Source: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/water/hydroterms.htmlThat portion of a hydrograph that shows the rate of decrease of stage or discharge following passage of a crest; the opposite of rising limb.regulated flow
Source: http://amsglossary.allenpress.com/glossary/search?id=recession1Flow is regulated when it is managed to achieve various goals, such as maintaining a minimum flow downstream of a reservoir or maintaining a minimum depth for shipping.residence time
Source: http://epa.gov/waterscience/dflow/flow101.htm#standardsThe average time an element spends in a given environment between the time it arrived and the time it is removed by some process. In the ocean, residence time is defined as the concentration in sea water relative to the amount delivered to the ocean per year; in groundwater, it is the time elapsed between water being recharged to the aquifer; in lakes and reservoirs, it is the time elapsed between a parcel of water entering the waterbody and leaving it.riparian
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 319The bank of a river or stream, or the shoreline of a lake or pond.riparian buffer
Source: Newton David, "Encyclopedia of Water", 2003, page 340Vegetated areas next to water resources that protect water resources from nonpoint source pollution and provide bank stabilization and aquatic and wildlife habitat.riparian rights
Source: http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/BMPs/buffers.htmlA concept of water law under which authorization to use water in a stream is based on ownership of the land adjacent to the stream.rising limb of hydrograph
Source: ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996, page 327The rising portion of the hydrograph resulting from runoff of rainfall or snowmelt.Rosgen stream classification
Source: http://amsglossary.allenpress.com/glossary/search?id=rising-limb1A stream classification system developed by Dave Rosgen that groups stream types based on certain geomorphological characteristics (e.g., channel slope, shape, and materials). Useful in predicting a stream’s hydraulic and sediment transport behavior under various conditions and in the application of natural channel design methods in stream restoration work. [More information]roughness coefficient
Source: http://www.nceep.net/news/reports/watershedplan-glossary.pdfA factor in velocity and discharge formulas representing the effect of channel roughness on energy losses in flowing water. Manning’s "n" is a commonly used roughness coefficient.runoff coefficient
Source: Glossary of Stormwater Management Terms and Acronyms, Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook; http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/SW/docs/swm/Glossary.pdfIncludes many factors such as type of cover, soil types, infiltration, evaporation, evapotranspiration, and any moisture condition. The fraction of total rainfall that appears as runoff. Represented as "C" in the rational method formula.top
Source: ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996, page 590; Glossary of Stormwater Management Terms and Acronyms, Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook; http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/SW/docs/swm/Glossary.pdfS
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)Originally passed in 1974 to ensure that public water supplies are maintained at high quality. Amendments passed in 1986 require the EPA to set national primary drinking water standards.saturated condition
Source: LaGrega M., Hazardous Waste Management, 1994, page 61saturated zone"Wet" conditions when media (i.e. watershed basin, soil layer, aquifer, etc.) are fully saturated with water and no infiltration takes place.
A condition in which the interstices of a material are filled with a liquid, usually water. It applies whether the liquid is under greater then or less than atmospheric pressure, as long as all connected interstices are full.
Source: ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996, page 328That part of the water-bearing material in which all voids, large and small, are ideally filled with water under pressure greater than atmospheric.Soil Conservation Service (SCS)
Source: ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996, page 328Now called Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.sediment
Source: Glossary of Stormwater Management Terms and Acronyms, Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook; http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/SW/docs/swm/Glossary.pdfSolid material, such as sand and clay, carried off the land by running water and later deposited in a river, lake, or other waterway. When rainwater runs off the land, it usually carries soil with it on its way to a river or lake.sediment control
Source: Newton David, "Encyclopedia of Water", 2003, page 334Practices used on building sites to prevent sand, soil, cement and other building materials from reaching waterways. Even a small amount of pollution from a site can cause significant environmental damage by killing aquatic life, silting up streams and blocking stormwater pipes.setback
Source: http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/technical/fs52.htmThe distance between a property boundary and a building. A minimum setback is usually required by law.sheet flow
Source: http://www.leanlegal.com/dictionary/s.aspA condition of flooding where there is moving water but no identifiable channel. Flooding depths are usually shallow (less than 3 feet). May have a high velocity, as on alluvial fans.silviculture
Source: http://www.msdlouky.org/programs/crssite/fpglossary.htmlThe branch of forestry dealing with the development and care of forests.sink
Source: http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=silvicultureA substance or process that removes a component of concern from the active environment. For example, the adsorption of metals on the surfaces of organic matter serves as a sink for these elements as it removes them from a solution.slope
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 323Degree of deviation of a surface from the horizontal, measured as a numerical ratio, as a percent, or in degrees. Expressed as a ratio, the first number is the horizontal distance (run) and the second number is the vertical distance (rise), as 2:1. A 2:1 slope is a 50 percent slope. Expressed in degrees, the slope is the angle from the horizontal plane, with a 90 degree slope being vertical (maximum) and a 45 degree slope being a 1:1 slope.soil
Source: http://www.epa.gov/NPs/MMGI/Chapter3/ch3-3.htmlA mixture of different inorganic and organic materials. The inorganic fraction consists mostly of fine mineral grains. The percentages by weight of gravel, sand, silt, and clay provide a basis for classifying soil by texture.soil erosion
Source: LaGrega M., Hazardous Waste Management, 1994, page 181The removal of soil by wind or water.soil moisture
Source: http://geographyfieldwork.com/GeographyVocabulary7.htmWater in the soil mantle, available for use by plants.spatial
Source: ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996, page 328Describes the characteristics of a given area. For example, the spatial distribution of whales in the ocean or the spatial distribution of aquifer thickness.spatial data
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 324Any information about the location, shape of, and relationships among geographic features. This includes remotely sensed data as well as map data.spatial variation
Source: http://landsat.usgs.gov/resources/glossary.php?gid=sVariation (change) of a certain parameter within studied area.specific conductanceA measure of the ability of water to conduct an electrical current, expressed in micromhos per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius. Related to the type and concentration of ions in solution and can be used for approximating the dissolved-solids content of the water. Commonly, the concentration of dissolved solids (in milligrams per liter) is about 65% of the specific conductance (in micromhos). This relation is not constant from supply to supply, and it may even vary in the same source with changes in the composition of the water.specific conductivity
Source: ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996, page 329With reference to the movement of water in soil, a factor expressing the volume of transported water per unit of time in a given area.stage
Source: ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996, page 329The elevation of a water surface in relation to a datum.storm event
Source: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/water/hydroterms.htmlA rainfall event that produces more than 0.1 inch of precipitation and that which is separated from the previous storm event by at least 72 hours of dry weather.storm sewer system
Source: http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/stormwtr/docs/march_attachment9.pdfSystem of pipes and channels that carry stormwater runoff from the surfaces of building, paved surfaces, and the land to discharge areas.stream channel
Source: http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/storm/gloss.aspThe bed where a natural stream of water runs or may run. The long, narrow depression shaped by the concentrated flow of a stream and covered continuously or periodically by water.stream channelization
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 325A method of flood control in which a river or stream channel is widened, deepened, cleared, strengthened, and/or made more straight.streamflow
Source: Newton David, "Encyclopedia of Water", 2003, page 124The flow in natural streams.succession
Source: ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996, page 331The replacement of one plant community by another over time.sulfate
Source: http://buttecreekwatershed.org/ecr/new/glossary.htm
A combination of sulfur in the oxidized state (S6+) and oxygen, and a part of naturally occurring minerals in some soil and rock formations. A common constituent in groundwater and surface water. Sulfate minerals tend to be highly soluble.surface runoff
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 326Water that runs across the top of the land without infiltrating the soil.suspended sediment
Source: http://www.co.grays-harbor.wa.us/WebHomePage/info/pub_svcs/ChehalisBasin/PhaseII/Level1/AssessmentSummary/6-Glossary.pdf
All the waters flowing on the surface of the earth, either by overland sheet flow or by channel flow in rills, gullies, streams, or rivers.
Source: ASCE, Hydrology Handbook, Second edition, 1996, page 331Very fine soil particles that remain in suspension in water for a considerable period of time without contact with the bottom. Such material remains in suspension due to the upward components of turbulence and currents and/or by suspension.suspended sediment load
Source: http://www.agwt.org/info/S_Terms.aspSuspended sediment concentration in a given volume of water.swampsWetlands covered with water for most or all of the year and characterized primarily by the presence of woody plants. Swamps often occurs close to adjacent rivers, streams, lakes, and other bodies water.top
Source: Newton David, "Encyclopedia of Water", 2003, page 362T
temporal variationVariation (change) of a certain parameter within specified time interval.terrainA tract or region of the Earth's surface considered as a physical feature, an ecologic environment, or a site of some planned human activity, e.g., an engineering location; or in terms of military science, as in terrain analysis.terrain slope
Source: http://www.maden.hacettepe.edu.tr/dmmrt/dmmrt1217.htmlRelationship between elevation and horizontal distance for a given length of the terrain.topography
Source: http://www.maden.hacettepe.edu.tr/dmmrt/dmmrt1217.htmlThe shape and contour of a surface, especially the land surface or ocean-floor surface, usually characterized by slope, aspect and elevation.total dissolved nitrogen
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 328The dissolved nitrogen in the water column.total maximum daily loads (TMDL)
Source: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/coastalbays/water_quality/nutrient_load.htmlThe maximum quantity of a particular water pollutant that can be discharged into a body of water without violating a water quality standard. The amount of pollutant is set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.total nitrogen
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 329Total nitrogen concentration is the total amount of nitrogen in one liter of water. Total nitrogen includes both dissolved nitrogen in the water column and particulate nitrogen contained in algal cells and in organic detritus such as degrading leaves from trees.total organic carbon (TOC)
Source: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/coastalbays/water_quality/nutrient_load.htmlA measure of the amount of organic materials suspended or dissolved in water.total suspended solids (TSS)
Source: http://www.cleanwaterpartnership.org/uppertallapoosa/glossary.cfmThe weight of particles that are suspended in water. Suspended solids in water reduce light penetration in the water column, can clog the gills of fish and invertebrates, and are often associated with toxic contaminants because organics and metals tend to bind to particles. Total suspended solids are differentiated from total dissolved solids by a standardized filtration process, the dissolved portion passing through the filter.toxicity
Source: http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/BMPs/glossary.htmlThe ability of a chemical substance that has the potential of causing acute or chronic adverse effects in plants, animals, or humans.tributary
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 329The rills, brooks, and streams that flow into a major river.turbidity
Source: Newton David, "Encyclopedia of Water", 2003, page 256A measure of the cloudiness (reduced transparency) of water, determined by the amount of light reflected by particulate matter in the water.top
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 330U
unsaturated conditionsConditions in soils when infiltration is still possible and media contains both air and water.unsaturated zoneThe zone between the ground surface and the water table that contains both air and water.upland
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 330
A subsurface zone containing water under pressure less than that of the atmosphere, including water held by capillarity; and containing air or gases generally under atmospheric pressure. This zone is limited above by the land surface and below by the surface of the saturated zone, i.e., the water table.
Source: Jackson Julia (Editor), Glossary of Geology, 4th edition, American Geological Institute, Alexandria, Virginia, 1997, page 692The elevated lands above a floodplain or other low-lying areas.upland habitat
Source: Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 331The dry habitat along the sides of a river above a flood plain.urbanization
Source: http://coastgis.marsci.uga.edu/summit/k12upland.htmBecoming urban, specifically the concentration of population into towns and cities. Associated with this process is the replacement of pervious surfaces with impervious materials such as asphalt and concrete.top
Source: http://chesapeake.towson.edu/landscape/urbansprawl/glossary.aspV
vegetated filter stripCreated areas of vegetation designed to remove sediment and other pollutants from surface water runoff by filtration, deposition, infiltration, adsorption, decomposition, and volatilization. An area that maintains soil aeration as opposed to a wetland, which at times exhibits anaerobic soil conditions.velocity
Source: Dillaha et al., 1989a, http://www.epa.gov/NPs/MMGI/Chapter7/ch7-3.htmlA vector measurement of the rate and direction of motion. The scalar absolute value (magnitude) of velocity is speed. Velocity can also be defined as rate of change of displacement or just as the rate of displacement, depending on how the term displacement is used. It is thus a vector quantity with dimension length/time. In the SI (metric) system it is measured in meters per second.top
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VelocityW
water cycle
Describes the existence and movement of water on, in, and above the Earth. Earth's water is always in movement and is always changing states, from liquid to vapor to ice and back again. The water cycle has been working for billions of years and all life on Earth depends on it continuing to work.watershed
Source: http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/watercyclesummary.htmlLand area that drains to a common waterway, such as a stream, lake, estuary, wetland, or ultimately the ocean. The land area drained by a river and its tributaries; also called catchment, drainage area, or river basin.wetland
Source: “Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters", October 2005, EPA 841-B-05-005, http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPs/watershed_handbook/pdf/glossary.pdf; Dash Julius (editor in chief), "Water Science and Issues", Vol. I, 2003, page 332An area that is covered by water at least some part of the year. Sufficient moisture is present so that soil is wet a significant period of time every year. Plants, humans, and other animals have adapted special techniques for surviving in the special environmental conditions present in wetlands.
Source: Newton David, "Encyclopedia of Water", 2003, page 362A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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