Watersheds - AP Environmental Science

Nonpoint source pollution is most associated with watersheds. Diffuse pollution from multiple scattered sources.

Deforestation increases runoff and reduces water quality. Trees intercept rain and roots prevent soil erosion.

The hydrologic cycle circulates water within watersheds. Continuous movement of water through evaporation and precipitation.

A divide is a ridge or elevated area that separates watersheds. High ground that directs water flow in opposite directions.

Baseflow is the portion of streamflow sustained by groundwater. Steady water flow from underground sources.

A buffer zone protects waterways from pollutants. Vegetated strips filter runoff before reaching streams.

Mining can lead to sedimentation and water pollution. Removes vegetation and exposes soil to erosion.

Watershed management aims to protect and improve water quality. Balances human needs with ecosystem health.

Urbanization increases surface runoff and reduces infiltration. Concrete prevents water from soaking into soil.

Filtration involves the removal of contaminants. Soil and vegetation naturally filter pollutants.

Agriculture can lead to nutrient runoff and pollution. Fertilizers and pesticides wash into waterways.

Climate change can alter precipitation patterns in watersheds. Shifts rainfall timing and intensity patterns.

A floodplain is a flat area adjacent to a river that floods. Low-lying area that stores excess water during floods.

Species inventory is a method for assessing biodiversity. Counts species to measure ecosystem health.

Water quality testing measures watershed health. Chemical analysis reveals pollution levels.

A watershed collects, filters, and channels water. Natural process of moving water from land to water bodies.

Wetlands absorb floodwaters and filter pollutants. Act as natural sponges and water treatment systems.

Eutrophication is nutrient over-enrichment leading to algae blooms. Excess nutrients cause oxygen depletion and fish kills.

Healthy watersheds provide clean drinking water. Natural filtration removes pollutants and sediments.

Urban development can significantly impact a watershed. Creates impervious surfaces that increase runoff.

Topography primarily determines watershed boundaries. Elevation changes create natural boundaries for water flow.

Vegetation stabilizes soil and reduces erosion. Root systems hold soil and slow water flow.

A riparian zone is the interface between land and a river or stream. Transition zone that filters runoff before reaching water.

Groundwater feeds streams and maintains baseflow in watersheds. Provides continuous water supply during dry periods.

A watershed is an area of land that drains all streams and rainfall to a common outlet. Water flows downhill from precipitation to the lowest point.

A tributary is a stream or river that flows into a larger stream or river. Smaller waterways join to form larger river systems.

Precipitation is the main source of water in a watershed. Rain and snow provide water input to the system.

A headwater is the source or start of a river. Origin point where water begins flowing downhill.

Reforestation is a method to restore a watershed. Trees reduce erosion and improve water infiltration.