All flashcards
Flashcard 1: Identify one human activity that can lead to watershed restoration.
Answer: Streambank stabilization can lead to watershed restoration. Prevents erosion and improves water quality.
Flashcard 2: Which type of pollution is most associated with watersheds?
Answer: Nonpoint source pollution is most associated with watersheds. Diffuse pollution from multiple scattered sources.
Flashcard 3: What is the impact of deforestation on watersheds?
Answer: Deforestation increases runoff and reduces water quality. Trees intercept rain and roots prevent soil erosion.
Flashcard 4: What is the significance of the hydrologic cycle to watersheds?
Answer: The hydrologic cycle circulates water within watersheds. Continuous movement of water through evaporation and precipitation.
Flashcard 5: What is a divide in watershed terminology?
Answer: A divide is a ridge or elevated area that separates watersheds. High ground that directs water flow in opposite directions.
Flashcard 6: Define 'baseflow' in watershed hydrology.
Answer: Baseflow is the portion of streamflow sustained by groundwater. Steady water flow from underground sources.
Flashcard 7: What is the purpose of a buffer zone in watershed management?
Answer: A buffer zone protects waterways from pollutants. Vegetated strips filter runoff before reaching streams.
Flashcard 8: What is the impact of mining on watersheds?
Answer: Mining can lead to sedimentation and water pollution. Removes vegetation and exposes soil to erosion.
Flashcard 9: State the purpose of watershed management.
Answer: Watershed management aims to protect and improve water quality. Balances human needs with ecosystem health.
Flashcard 10: What is the effect of urbanization on watershed hydrology?
Answer: Urbanization increases surface runoff and reduces infiltration. Concrete prevents water from soaking into soil.
Flashcard 11: Which process involves the removal of contaminants from water within a watershed?
Answer: Filtration involves the removal of contaminants. Soil and vegetation naturally filter pollutants.
Flashcard 12: How does agriculture affect watersheds?
Answer: Agriculture can lead to nutrient runoff and pollution. Fertilizers and pesticides wash into waterways.
Flashcard 13: Identify one impact of climate change on watersheds.
Answer: Climate change can alter precipitation patterns in watersheds. Shifts rainfall timing and intensity patterns.
Flashcard 14: What is a floodplain in the context of watersheds?
Answer: A floodplain is a flat area adjacent to a river that floods. Low-lying area that stores excess water during floods.
Flashcard 15: State one method for assessing watershed biodiversity.
Answer: Species inventory is a method for assessing biodiversity. Counts species to measure ecosystem health.
Flashcard 16: Identify one way to measure watershed health.
Answer: Water quality testing measures watershed health. Chemical analysis reveals pollution levels.
Flashcard 17: What is the primary function of a watershed?
Answer: A watershed collects, filters, and channels water. Natural process of moving water from land to water bodies.
Flashcard 18: What is the role of wetlands in a watershed?
Answer: Wetlands absorb floodwaters and filter pollutants. Act as natural sponges and water treatment systems.
Flashcard 19: What is eutrophication and how does it affect watersheds?
Answer: Eutrophication is nutrient over-enrichment leading to algae blooms. Excess nutrients cause oxygen depletion and fish kills.
Flashcard 20: Identify one benefit of healthy watersheds.
Answer: Healthy watersheds provide clean drinking water. Natural filtration removes pollutants and sediments.
Flashcard 21: Which human activity can significantly impact a watershed?
Answer: Urban development can significantly impact a watershed. Creates impervious surfaces that increase runoff.
Flashcard 22: Which factor primarily determines the boundaries of a watershed?
Answer: Topography primarily determines watershed boundaries. Elevation changes create natural boundaries for water flow.
Flashcard 23: How does vegetation affect watershed function?
Answer: Vegetation stabilizes soil and reduces erosion. Root systems hold soil and slow water flow.
Flashcard 24: What is a riparian zone?
Answer: A riparian zone is the interface between land and a river or stream. Transition zone that filters runoff before reaching water.
Flashcard 25: What is the role of groundwater in a watershed?
Answer: Groundwater feeds streams and maintains baseflow in watersheds. Provides continuous water supply during dry periods.
Flashcard 26: What is a watershed?
Answer: 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.
Flashcard 27: Define the term 'tributary' in the context of watersheds.
Answer: A tributary is a stream or river that flows into a larger stream or river. Smaller waterways join to form larger river systems.
Flashcard 28: What is the main source of water in a watershed?
Answer: Precipitation is the main source of water in a watershed. Rain and snow provide water input to the system.
Flashcard 29: What is a headwater in the context of watersheds?
Answer: A headwater is the source or start of a river. Origin point where water begins flowing downhill.
Flashcard 30: Identify one method to restore a degraded watershed.
Answer: Reforestation is a method to restore a watershed. Trees reduce erosion and improve water infiltration.