River Basin Vocabulary

Question 1

A natural system linked by living (plants, animals) and nonliving (soil,air,water) things

Accepted Answer

Ecosystem

Question 2

The water found in cracks and pores in sand, gravel and rocks below the earths surface

Accepted Answer

Groundwater

Question 3

Surplus water from rain and melted snow

Accepted Answer

Storm water

Question 4

Pertaining to the edges of streams or rivers

Accepted Answer

Riparian

Question 5

Eroded soil particles that wash or blow into rivers

Accepted Answer

Sediment

Question 6

Discharge entering a stream at a specific, detectable point such as a pipe or outfall

Accepted Answer

Point source pollution

Question 7

A semi-enclosed area where fresh water from a river meets salty water from the sea.

Accepted Answer

Estuary

Question 8

Diffuse runoff from large areas of land

Accepted Answer

Non point source pollution

Question 9

Drainage area of a river

Accepted Answer

River Basin

Question 10

Rapid,dense growth of algae that robs the water of oxygen as it dies and decomposes

Accepted Answer

Algal Bloom

Question 11

Open space or connector along a natural corridor (such as a river) used for parks and trails

Accepted Answer

Green way

Question 12

Plants and trees surrounding a river or a stream

Accepted Answer

Vegetative Buffer

Question 13

All the land drained by a river, stream or lake

Accepted Answer

Watershed

Question 14

Animal that lacks a backbone and is visible to the naked eye

Accepted Answer

Macro invertebrate

Question 15

A porous rock layer underground that is a reservoir for water

Accepted Answer

Aquifer

Question 16

The amount of land and water needed to support one's life style using current technology

Accepted Answer

Ecological Footprint

Questions 16