1. The gradual and natural growth of land resulting from forces of nature, as in sediment deposition by a river or stream.
2. The incremental augmentation or accrual of something, such as interest on an investment.

Area measurement (square measure) used primarily in the United States. One (1) acre is equal to 43,560 square feet, 4,046.86 square meters, or 0.4047 hectares.

Definition: Sediment, often containing sand, gravel, rock fragments, clay, or the like, that is deposited by moving water, as along a lake shore or river.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Geology, Hydrology, Science, Water

An underground geologic stratum or formation through which water can percolate or be transmitted. Flow of water within an aquifer or between aquifers is usually quite slow, and can occur any direction. There are two primary types of aquifers: confined and unconfined.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Ecology, Forestry, Geology, Hydrology, Science, Water

Any broad area of water; also any broad group of islands.

An inlet from the sea or other body of water.

A deep gully made with an intermittent stream; a dry gulch.

Water rising to the surface under internal hydrostatic pressure.

Wells made by drilling into the earth and finding water which flows spontaniously from internal pressure. Like a fountain.

The direction in which a slope faces, usually recorded as a bearing or azimuth.

A small island the shape of a ring or horseshoe; formed by deposits of coral sea animals

See "Drainage basin".

Specifically, refers to the land area where precipitation falls. In practical use, it means the same thing as "watershed".

Definition: Sand, gravel, clay, rock fragments, etc. that aggregate at the foot of steep slopes due to erosion or wind deposition.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Geology, Science

The final step in the scientific method. After the experiment is conducted, the expected result is compared to the observed result, and a determination is made that the research hypothesis is either valid or invalid. If deemed invalid, a new or alternate hypothesis must be developed, and the scientific research process (scientific method) starts anew.

1. The process of moving from general evidence, principles, or nonobservable explanations to specific observable actions, consequences, or conclusions. 2. In the scientific method, deductive reasoning is used to determine the specific observations, measurements, or other data that will either support or contradict the research hypothesis.

1. The process of moving from general evidence, principles, or nonobservable explanations to specific observable actions, consequences, or conclusions. 2. In the scientific method, deductive reasoning is used to determine the specific observations, measurements, or other data that will either support or contradict the research hypothesis.

1. Variation in the physical characteristics of ecosystems across a landscape caused by variation in soil, slope, aspect, elevation, climate, and geology, and the accompanying variation in biotic communities. Also known as ecological or biological diversity.

The area of land drained by a river and its tributaries. Includes both surface runoff and groundwater flows.

A depression in the earth formed from running water from rain or winter thaw.

A sea of sand. A large land area of shifting sand.

1. The anticipated outcome of a scientific experiment according to the research hypothesis. 2. In the scientific method, the expected result is the outcome of the experiment if the research hypothesis is true.

The process used to test research hypotheses in the scientific method. In order to be useful in scientific inquiry, an experiment should be objective, with reliable and verifiable data. In addition, the results of the experiment must be reproducible by other scientists.

The study of the forces, processes, events, and actions that are responsible for shaping the Earth's surface. Of these forces, moving water at or near the soil surface (including surface runoff, overland flow, and interflow) has by far the greatest influence on surface alteration of the Earth.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Geology, Hydrology, Science, Water

Water that is stored beneath the earth's surface. This water sustains streamflows during times without precipitation, and is the primary source of water in most areas.