Freshwater is water that has less than 0.2% of dissolved salts. Comparatively, freshwater is
relatively scarce, comprising less than 3% of the Earth’s water supply. In addition, the majority
of that, about 2%, is frozen away in glaciers and icecaps. Freshwater can also be found in lakes,
rivers, streams, atmospheric vapor, and groundwater. Only about 0.5% of the Earth’s water is
available for human and animal use, as atmospheric vapor, salt water, and icecaps are unavailable
for use. The Availability of freshwater is also limited by population, competition, and
pollution.Weathering is the breaking down of material, Erosion is the transportation of material,
Deposition is the placing of material.
Streams:"Stream"is a general name for all moving water.
Stream Profile:In the case for large rivers, a delta or mouth of the river at sea level is a
"BaseLevel", in fact, sea level itself is considered the "Ultimate Base Level". How can a
waterfall be a base level? These pictures should shed some light on it. 1. The closer to the origin
you are, the faster the water will flow. 2. The closer to the mouth you are, the slower the water
will flow. 3. Sediment will be scoured closer to the higher elevation 4. Sediment will be
deposited at the lower elevations. 5. There is a higher stream gradient the closer to the origin you
go.6. There is a lower stream gradient the closer to the mouth you go. Downcutting is the
deepening of a river channel relative to its surroundings. That is, how far does it dig into the
ground. As natural examples tell us, The amount of downcutting on a river is dependent on
where on the river it forms. Base level is the closest to sea level a river can go. Downcutting
helps a river in its descent to ultimate base level. At any one time, rock layers can dictate base
levels. Geologically speaking, nothing impedes downcutting. However, at our timescale, we can
witness downcutting happening before our very eyes. That is essentially what a waterfall is, an
agent of downcutting. A waterfall is a morphological feature defined by water flowing over a
hard rock layer. In the case of most waterfalls, the water that flows over the falls erodes the softer
layer at the base. Once it erodes enough, the unsupported hard layer above collapses. This is
what makes a waterfall appear to “retreat”.
Stream Drainage: Streams follow a general pattern based on topography. Drainage Channels
form where runoff cuts into the ground.
Channel Types: Straight, Meandering, Braided.
Dendritic Drainage:is the most common and looks similar to a tree. Dendritic Drainage occurs
where a region is above a single type of bedrock (homogeneous). Which gives the entire area a
similar resistance to erosion and therefore a seemingly random placement of tributaries. Most
tributaries will join a larger stream at an acute angle.
Parallel Drainage:generally forms where there is a large hill.They develop in areas with parallel
regions of rock that are harder to erode.Trellis Drainage Patterns:form where there is a folded
topography, like the Appalachian mountains.Tributaries enter the main stream at near right
angles.Rectangular drainage patterns:are found in regions that have undergone faulting.
Streams follow the path of least resistance and thus are concentrated in places were exposed rock
is the weakest.Radial drainage patterns:develop around a central elevated point. These patterns
are common to such conically shaped features as volcanoes.Centripetal Drainage patterns:are
the opposite of radial ones.They are common in basins like in the United States Southwest
region, where streams flow downward to a central point.
Deranged Or contorted patterns: develop from the disruption of a pre-existing drainage
pattern. In this picture, the stream began asa dendritic stream but was overrun by a glacier. After
receding, the glacier left behind fine grain material that formed wetlands and deposits that
dammed the stream to impound a small lake. The tributary streams appear significantly more
contorted than they were prior to glaciation. Braided Stream Channel:These types of streams
form where sediment rich stream slows normally near where the stream grade changes from
steep to more shallow. Then it divides into many smaller interwoven channels. They are also
generally wide and shallow.Meandering Channel:Meanders generally form on a flat area with a
broad floodplain. A meandering stream has a sinuosity ratio greater than 1.5, with sinuosity =
length of stream along channel/actual straight-line distance traveled by stream.Anastomosis
Channel:Multiple Channels that divide and reconnect, but not as easily as in a braided
channel.Erosion and Deposition: Alluvial Landforms:Once a stream reaches a base level it forms
a large fertile valley due to its meandering:Flood Plain:A floodplain is the flat area that tends to
be covered in water when the river rises. As a flood increases the river's size it slows the river
down causing it to drop sediment which in turn allows for very fertile soil.Natural Levee:A
natural levee is formed when sediment(alluvium) is deposited along the edge of the stream
forming a ridge.Meanders:A meander isa bend in astream. Meanders are prevalent in older
streams. Meanders have erosion on the outer bank and deposition on the innerbank. Apoint
barforms where the water going through a meander drops alluvium on the inner bank The Neck
Is the point of land between the two edges of a meander. The Cutoff Occurs when the stream
erodes through the neck causing the river to be back to a straight course. The result is anOx-bow
lake which is a separate body of water from the stream.Deltas:deltas are formed when rivers
meet large bodies of water like oceans. They are classified as
follows:Constructional:river-dominated, elongate (digitate,bird foot delta),
lobate,Destructionaltide-dominated,wave-dominated, cuspate (tooth shaped delta). Other names
for types of deltas: Arcuate delta, Estuarine delta.StreamOrder:Arthur Newell Strahler developed
a system known as stream order (or Strahler number) that helps determine how many tributaries
a particular stream has and how large that stream is. Basically, start with the smallest stream,
which has no tributaries; this is a first-order stream. Two first order streams join to make a
second order stream, and so on. If a second-order stream joins a first-order stream, the resulting
stream is still second-order. Lakes: Alakeis a body of water completely surrounded by land.
More than 90% of Earth’s surface waters are contained in lakes. Less than 1% of Earth's Surface
waters are found in rivers and streams at any moment in time. The origin of most lakes is not
related to stream
activity. Conditions necessary for the formation and continued existence of a lake: 1. A natural
basin with a restricted outlet; 2. Sufficient input of water to keep the basin at least partially filled.
Most of the world’s lakes contain fresh water.Less than 40% of lake waters are salty. Any lake
that has no natural drainage outlet, either as a surface stream or as a sustained subsurface flow,
will become saline. The Water balance of most lakes is maintained by surface inflow,sometimes
combined with springs and seeps from below the lake surface.Lakes are stratified into several
layers based on temperature. Many lakes have an upper warm layer called the epilimnion and a
lower cold layer called the hypolimnion,which are separated by a transition zone called the
thermocline. Lakes can be classified in various ways,such as by their method of formation,
nutrient levels, or levels of dissolved oxygen (DO).Lakes are most common in regions that were
glaciated within the relatively recent geologic past because glacial erosion and deposition have
deranged the normal drainage patterns and have created innumerable basins. The series of large
lakes in eastern and central Africa is due to major crustal movements and volcanic activity.
Thousands of small lakes in Florida were formed by sinkhole collapse where rainwater dissolved
calcium from massive limestone bedrock. Most lakes are very temporary features in the natural
landscape, geologically speaking. Few lakes have been in existence for more than a few thousand
years: 1. Inflowing Streams bring sediments to fill them up; 2. Outflowing streams cut channels
that progressively deepen and drain lakes; 3.As lakes become more shallow, an increase in plant
growth accelerates the process of infilling. Dry lake beds located indesert regions are called
playas. When temporarily filled by intermittent streams these bodies of water are called
playalakes. Permanent desert lakes are nearly always products of either subsurface structural
conditions that provide water from a permanent spring or of exotic streams that have their source
in nearby mountain. Lakes may affect climate and weather: 1. It is generally more humid around
lake areas; 2. Because water warms and cools more slowly than land,temperatures near lakes are
generally milder than temperatures at the same latitude but more distant from lakes. There is alot
to consider about lake organisms and chemicals. Chemicals such as nitrates and phosphates
promote the growth of algae and fish. A lake with a lot of these chemicals is called "eutrophic".
Eutrophic lakes generally have more algae, morefish, and less clear water. A lake with not a lot
of chemicals are called "oligotrophic". These lakes have less organisms butgenerally clearer
water. Eutrophic lakes are more likely to have a stream that feeds into it as well as be in bedrock
than oligotrophic lakes. Oligotrophic lakes are generally found upstream and eutrophic lakes are
found downstream. Lakes that are in the middle are called "mesotrophic" lakes.Chemicals in
lakes can come from pollution (fertilizers, a leaky septic tank) or natural sources. These
chemicals can be naturally concentrated by the organisms in the lake.GroundWater:Groundwater
is water that is in the ground. It exists in the pore spaces and fractures in rock and sediment. It
originally was rainwater or snow. Water will move down into the earth until it reaches a layer of
soil where it can not penetrate. Thislayer is called the impenetrable or impermeable layer. The
uppermost reaches of this water is called the water table. Facts:Groundwater makes up about 1%
of the water on Earth. That's about 35 times the amount of water in lakes and streams. It Occurs
everywhere beneath the Earth's surface, but is usually restricted to depths less than about 750
meters. The surface below which all rocks are saturated with groundwater is the water
table.Hydraulic Head:The depth of groundwater in two different places, when measured, can
give hydraulic gradient, basically a calculation of slope.hydraulic gradient (I) =(h1 - h2) /d where
h1 and h2 are two different heights,and d is the distance between them. This allows us to
calculate the velocity of groundwater flow, if we know porosity (a unitless percentage that
describes what percentage of a rock, gravel,or sand is empty) and permeability (the variable
K).groundwater velocity (V) = hydraulic conductivity(K) x hydraulic gradient (I) / porosityDarcy
also found out how to determine groundwater discharge using this information and the areathe
water flows through.discharge (Q) = hydraulic conductivity (K) x hydraulic gradient (I) x area
(A).Wetlands:Wetlands are areas where the ground is often if not always saturated with water.
There are swamps, peatlands, fens and marshes (which yes, are all different). They tend to be
acidic and have unique ecological communities.Karst Topography:is a distinctive landform
assemblage developed as a consequence of the dissolving action of water on carbonate bedrock
(usually limestone, dolomite, or marble). Types of Karst features include sinkholes, solution
valleys,springs, disappearing streams, and caves developed as a consequence of subsurface
solution.Sinkholes:are commonly funnel-shaped and broadly open upward. Sinkholes may be a
few feet to more than 100 feet in depth, though usually ranging from 10 to 30 feet. Sinkhole
diameter sizes range from a few square yards to several acres in area. Another name for
sinkholes are cenotes. Note that not all sinkholes are linked to Karst landscapes.Solution
valleys:(or Karst valleys)are the remains of former surface stream valleys whose streams have
been diverted underground as karst developed. Theymay develop a series of sinkholes in the
valley floor.Karst springs:occur where the groundwater flow discharges from a conduit or cave.
Karst springs or "cave springs" can have large openings and discharge very large volumes of
water.Sinkholes and sinking streams that drain to a large karst spring can be many miles away
from the spring. Streams flowing along the surface may enter a sinkhole as a "disappearing
stream" and flow underground for some distance to reappear at the surface. Caves(or caverns)
are large, open underground areas occurring in massive limestone depositions at or near the
surface.
1:7 Maximum ratio of wave height to wavelength seen in the open ocean. Also known as wave
steepness.Abyssal PlainA smooth, nearly flat region of the deep ocean floor.Abyssal PlainsFlat
parts of the ocean floor and flattest parts of Earth.Amphidromic PointA "no-tide" point in an
ocean caused by basin resonances, friction, and other factors around which tide crests rotate.
About a dozen amphidromic points exist in the world's oceans. Sometimes called a node.Aphotic
zoneThe part of the ocean beneath the photic zone, where light does not penetrate sufficiently for
photosynthesis to occur.asthenosphere region located directly below the lithosphere where
mantle rocks are able to deform, change shape,and flowBasaltRock type that composes most of
the ocean floorBenthosAnimals that live at the bottom of a body of water.BreakWaves with a
ratio greater than 1:7 will do this.buoyancy the power to float or rise in a fluid; relative
lightness.CapillaryThese waves are the first to form when the wind blows. Waves with a tiny
wavelength less than 1.73cm. The Restoring force is surface tension.Capillary WavesSmall
ripples with wavelengths less than 1.7 cmCapillary wavesThe slowest moving
waves.ClockwiseWhich direction do gyres flow in the Northern hemisphere?compressional
seismic waves parallel seismic waves that compress and expand as they go through all of Earth's
layersConstructive interferenceThe addition of wave energy as waves meet producing larger
waves.ConsumerAn organism that feeds on producers continental marginThe transition zone
between dry land and the ocean bottom. Includes the continental shelf, continental slope, and
continental riseContinental RiseThe gently sloping surface at the base of the continental
slopeContinental ShelfA gently sloping, shallow area of the ocean floor that extends outward
from the edge of a continentContinental SlopeThe steep descent of the seabed from the
continental shelf to the abyssal zone convection density driven movement of material where
there is either heating from below or cooling from above.Convergent Boundary Boundary where
two lithospheric plates collide core the central part of the Earth consisting of an iron-nickel alloy.
The outer portion of the core is liquid and the inner core is solid.Coriolis EffectCauses moving
air and water to turn left in the southern hemisphere and turn right in the northern hemisphere
due to Earth's hemisphere.CounterclockwiseWhich direction do gyres flow in the Southern
hemisphere?CountercurrentsCurrents flowing on the surface in opposite directions to main
currents.crest the top of a wavecrest outermost layer of the Earth, composed of solid
rockCurrentA large stream of moving water that flows through the oceans.DecomposerAn
organism that feeds on dying organismsDeepThese waves move through water greater than 1/2
their wavelength.density currentsCirculation pattern on the ocean that forms when a mass of
more dense seawater sinks beneath less dense seawater.DepthHow to describe how deep
something isDestructive interferenceThe subtraction of wave energy as waves meet producing
smaller waves.DiurnalThis type of tidal cycle is found commonly in the Gulf of
Mexico.Divergent Boundary Boundary where two lithospheric plate spread apart
(divide)Doldrums period or condition of depression or inactivity; a part of the ocean near the
equator abounding in calms and squalls earthquake a sudden movement or motion in the solid
Earth caused by the release of accumulated strainEasternThere are five of these boundary
currents. They carry cold water towards the equator. These boundary currents are shallow and
broad with boundaries that are not well defined. Eddies do not tend to form in these boundary
currents.Ebb CurrentWater rushing out of an enclosed harbor or bay because of the fall in sea
level as a tide troughapproaches.EddyA miniature whirlpool or whirlwind resulting when the
current of a fluid doubles back on itselfEkman Spiral Surface winds drive surface currents, and
each layer of water drags the layer below, but the CoriolisForce changes each layer's direction
slightly to make a spiral effectEnergyWaves transmit _______________.epicentre the point on
Earth's surface directly above where an earthquake originatedEquatorDue to the warmth of the
water, the molecules are slightly expanded in this region.
EstuaryKind of wetland formed where a river meets the ocean (flooded river valley)faults break
in which one mass of rock is displaced (moved) in relation to another mass of rockFetchArea
over which a wave-generating wind blowsFjordA glacial valley or glacial trough found along the
coast that is now filled with a mixture of freshwater and seawater.Flood Current Water rushing
into an enclosed area because of the rise in sea level as a tide crest approachesFood
WebRelationships between plants and animals of a biome having to do with what they
eat.Geostrophic GyresGyres in balance between gravity and the Coriolis Effect.GravityThese
waves have a wavelength greater than 1.73cm. The restoring force is gravity and momentum.
Wind Waves are one example of these waves.GuyotA large, flat-topped seamount resulting from
erosion of an island volcano when it was above sea level.gyreA large, nearly circular system of
wind driven surface currents that center around latitude 30 degrees in
bothhemispheresGyreCircular flow pattern of water caused by deflection of water by continents
and the ocean basin.HaloclineA layer of water in which there is a rapid change of salinity with
depthHeadlandA part of the shore that sticks out into the ocean high tide the highest point on
shore that the ocean reaches (occurs when the sun and moon are in line)High TidesHigh water
position corresponding to a tidal crestIntertidal Zone The area between the high-tide and the
low-tide mark.lithosphere the rigid outer portion of the Earth comprised of the crust and upper
part of the mantleLongWaves with ___________ wavelengths move the fastest.Longshore
DriftThe movement of water and sediment down a beach caused by waves coming in to shore at
an angle low tide the time of low water.Low TidesLow water position corresponding to a tidal
troughLunar Day24 hours 50 minsLunar TideTide caused by gravitational and inertial interaction
of the moon and Earth.mantle the zone within Earth that is located between the crust and
coreMarine organism any living thing in an oceanMid-ocean RidgeAn underwater mountain
chain where a new ocean floor is formed.mid-ocean ridgesA large system of underwater
mountains that have a deep crack, called a rift valley running through their centreNeapThese
tides occur when the earth, moon and sun are at right angles. These tides result in little variation
in the height of tides. Lowest tidal range occurring near the times of the first quarter and third
quarter phases of the moonNektonAnimals that are free to swim through the water
column.Neritic ZoneThe area from low-tide to the edge of the continental shelf.Open-Ocean
Zone The area of the ocean beyond the edge of the continental shelf.OrbitNearly friction free
transfer of energy from molecule to molecule in a circular path.PhytoplanktonMicroscopic,
free-floating, autotrophic plant organisms that function as producers in aquatic ecosystem
Plankton Almost microscopic algae and animals that are carried by current and waves.PlateOne
of the major parts in Earth's outer crust layer.Plunging WaveA breaking wave in which the upper
section topples forward and away from the bottom, forming an air-filled tube.PolesDue to the
cold temperature of the water, the water molecules are slightly closer together in this
region.ProducerAn organism that gets its food from lightProgressive WaveA wave of moving
energy in which the wave form moves in one direction along the surface of the transmission
medium.PycnoclineA layer of water in which there is a rapid change of density with
depthPytheasGreek astronomer and navigator who first wrote about the connection between
moon and the height of the tide.Rogue WaveA single wave crest much higher than usual caused
by constructive interference.SalinityA measure of the amount of dissolved salts in a given
amount of liquidSeafloor SpreadingA phenomenon in which Earth's plates split apart causing
more rock to erupt to the ocean floor.SeamountsAn underwater mountain rising from the ocean
floor and having a peaked or flat-topped summit below the surface of the sea.SeicheThe sloshing
back and forth of water that is confined to a small space like a bucket or swimming pool or
semi-enclosed bodies of water such as lakes, bays or harbors.Seismic Sea WaveTsunami caused
by displacement of earth along a fault. (Earthquakes and seismic sea waves are caused by the
same phenomenon.)
seismograph instrument that detects and records seismic activitySemidiurnalThis type of tidal
cycle is found commonly in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.ShallowThese waves move through
water shallower than 1/20 their wavelength shear seismic wave perpendicular seismic waves that
move in a side to side manner as they pass through the solid layers of Earth.Slack Water time of
no current, occurs at high and low tides when current change directionSolar Tides Caused by the
gravitational and inertial interaction of the sun and earthSonarA device that determines the
distance of an object under water by recording echoes of sound waves.Southern
Oscillationatmospheric pressure conditions corresponding to the periodic warming of El Nino
and cooling of La NinaSpilling WaveA breaking wave whose crest slides down the face of the
wave.SpringThese tides occur when the earth, moon and sun are in a straight line.These tides are
a time of greatest variation between high and low tides.spring tide the large rise and fall of the
tide at or soon after the new or the full moon.Standing Waves wave in which water oscillates
without causing progressive wave forward movement. there is no net transmission of energy in a
standing wave Subduction point where one lithospheric plate slides beneath another lithospheric
plateSubmarine CanyonDeep, V-shaped valley cutting across the continental shelf and
slopeSubmersibleUnderwater vehicle used in ocean exploration that is well constructed to
withstand pressure.Surf beatA result of constructive and destructive interference that is seen on
shore when waves do not all appear with uniform size. Some are larger, some are smaller.Surface
CurrentsThese transfer heat from tropical to polar regions, distribute nutrients, scatter organisms
and influence weather and climate.Surging WaveA wave that surges ashore without
breaking.SverdrupThis measurement of volume of water flow is equal to 1 million meters cubed
per second.Swellmature wind waves of one wavelength that form orderly undulations of the
ocean surfaceThermoclineA narrow stratum of rapid temperature change in the ocean and in
many temperate-zone lakesTidal BoreA high, often breaking wave generated by a tide crest that
advances rapidly up an estuary or river.tidal currents current produced by tidal forces.Tidal
DatumThe reference level (0.0) from which tidal height is measured.Tidal Rangeis the difference
in height between successive high and low tidesTidesthe regular rise and fall of the ocean's
surface influenced by the moon's gravity pulling on earth. The fastest moving wavesTomboloA
ridge of sand that connects an island to the mainland or to another islandTransform
Boundaryboundary where two lithospheric plates slide past one anotherTransitionalThese waves
travel though water deeper than 1/20 but shallower than 1/2 their wavelengthTransverseIn these
boundary currents, the flow is from East to West or West to East. They link eastern and western
boundary currents. The West Wind Drift is an example of this type of boundary
current.TrenchDeepest part of the sea floor tsunami long high sea wave caused by an earthquake,
submarine landslide, or other disturbance.TsunamiWave generated as a result of a seismic
event.Turbidity CurrentA down-slope movement of dense, sediment-laden water that rapidly
transports large amounts of sediment from the shelf to the sea floorUndercurrentsCountercurrents
beneath surface currents. Can influence conditions at the ocean surface.UpwellingThe movement
of deep, cold, and nutrient-rich water to the surface of an ocean by offshore windsWater
pressureThe weight that water pushes downward waves disturbance on the surface of a liquid
body, as the sea or a lake, in the form of a moving ridge or swell.Waves moving ridge on the
surface of the waterWave crest highest part of a progressive waveWave diffractionBending of
waves around obstacles.wave fetchWind fetch is defined as the unobstructed distance that wind
can travel over water in a constantdirectionWave FrequencyNumber of waves passing a fixed
point per second.wave height the height of a wave.Wave HeightVertical distance between a wave
crest and an adjacent wave trough wave motion propagation of disturbances-that is, deviations
from a state of rest or equilibrium-from place to place in a regular and organized way.wave
periodFor a wave, the speed is the distance traveled by a given point on the wave (such as a
crest) in a
given period of timeWave reflectionThe reflection of progressive waves by a vertical barrier.
Reflection occurs with little loss of energy.Wave refractionSlowing and bending of progressive
waves in shallow water.wave surfThe waves of the sea as they break upon a shore or reef.wave
swellSwell is the collection of waves moving away from a storm in the ocean.Wave
TrainsProgressing groups of swell with the same origin and wave length are known as this.Wave
trough lowest part of a progressive trough wavelength distance between two crest or troughs of a
waveWavelengthHorizontal distance between two consecutive wave crests or wave
troughsWesternThese are the fastest flowing boundary currents. These boundary currents move
warm water from the equator towards the poles. The Gulf Stream is an example of this type of
boundary current. These boundary currents are narrow and deep and have sharp boundaries.
Eddies can form.WindThese waves tend to be less than 3m high, and have wavelengths between
60 - 150m in the ocean. Surfacecurrents are powered by the sun and ______________Wind
StrengthThe length of time the wind blows, the fetch and these are three factors that affect wind
wave development.Zooplankton Small free-floating animals that form part of plankton that feed
on marine algae.alluvial fanIf a steep mountain stream flows onto a flat plain, its gradient and
velocity decrease abruptly. As a result, it deposits most of its sediments in a fan-shaped mound
called artesian aquifer forms where a tilted layer of permeable rock, such as sandstone, lies
sandwiched between layers of impermeable rock, such as shale. Water rises in an artesian well
without being pumped. A hose with a hole(inset) showswhy an artesian well flows
spontaneously.bed load boulders and cobbles moved along the stream bed braided streamA
stream that has split into a tangled network of small streams that split and reunite, winding along
a stream channel filled with sediment from times when the water flow is much greater. Joe Creek
in Canada's YukonTerritory is heavily braided because glaciers provide more sediment than the
stream can carry.capacity of streamtotal amount of sediment it can carry past a point in a given
amount of time channel the the trough or groove through which a stream
flowscompetencemeasure of the largest particle a stream can carryComponents of the hydrologic
cycleevapotranspirationcondensationprecipitationinfiltrationpercolationrunoffcondensationis the
process of water changing from a vapor to a liquid. Water vapor in the air rises mostly by
convection. This means that warm, humid air will rise, while cooler air will flow downward. As
the warmer air rises, the water vapor will lose energy, causing its temperature to drop. The water
vapor then has a change of state into liquid orice.deltaA stream also slows abruptly when it
enters the still water of a lake or ocean. The sediment settles out to form a nearly flat landform
called discharge (stream flow)the amount of water flowing down a stream. It is equal to velocity
x cross sectional area.dissolved load ions dissolved in water distribution of water on
Earth(Oceans, Glaciers, Groundwater, etc.)drainage basinThe land area that contributes water to
a river system evapotranspiration is water evaporating from the ground and transpiration by
plants. It is also the way that water vapor-enters the atmosphere.geyser hot spring in which water
intermittently boils, sending a tall column of water and steam into the air.glaciers massive,
long-lasting, moving mass of compacted snow and ice graded stream profileWith time, the
stream smoothes out the irregularities to develop a __________.groundwaterWater held
underground in the soil or in pores and crevices in rock.hydrologic cycleThe hydrologic cycle
shows that water circulates constantly among the sea, the atmosphere, and the land. Whole
numbers indicate thousands of cubic kilometers of water transferred each year. Percentages show
proportion of total global water in different portions of the Earth's surface.Importance of
transport of water from oceans to continents via the atmosphereEvery year about 30000 to 40000
cubic kilometres (a cube 30-35 km in size) of water move across the surface of the continents to
the oceans, profoundly shaping
the surface of the continents.infiltration when a portion of the precipitation that reaches the
Earth's surface seeps into the ground.karst topographySinkholes and caverns are characteristic of
karst topography. Streams commonly disappear into sinkholes and flow through the caverns to
emerge elsewhere.lakes large, inland body of standing water that occupies a depression in the
land surfacemeandersA winding curve or bend of a river.oxbow lakeOver time, a stream may
erode through the neck of a meander to form __________perched water tableIn some places, a
layer of impermeable rock or clay lies above the main water table, creating a locally saturated
zone, the top of which is called percolation is the downward movement of water through soil and
rock and occurs beneath the root zone.permeability the ability of rock or soil to transmit
waterpoint barA depositional feature of streams. A stream erodes the outsides of meanders and
deposits sand and gravel on the inside bends to form ________.porosity indicates the amount of
water that rock and soil can hold.precipitation is water being released from clouds as rain, sleet,
snow or hail. Precipitation begins after water vapor, which has condensed in the atmosphere,
becomes too heavy to remain in atmospheric air currents and falls.rivers and streams can be
simply defined as water flowing in a channel. They are defined by their channels, but they also
function to create channels through the process of erosion.Rivers and streams' three important
roles in the formation of a landscape1. erode the channels in which they flow2. transport
sediments3. produce a wide variety of erosional and depositional landforms runoff is
precipitation that reaches the surface of the Earth but does not infiltrate the soil. It can also come
from melted snow and ice.spring occurs where the water table intersects the land surface and
water flows or seeps onto the surface.suspended load smaller (clay and silt) particles suspended
in the waterThe velocity of a stream will be influenced by the gradient (steepness of the
stream).ungraded stream profile has many temporary base levels that smooth out to develop
graded profile water table the top of the Zone of saturation watershed area or ridge of land that
separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins, or seas.zone of saturation completely wet
(saturated) soil and bedrock above the barrier (impermeable roc