The beginning or point of origin for a stream or river. The headwaters of a river may be formed by springs, the confluence of small streams, lakes, or by snowmelt.
Also known as a river's Source.

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

Different or dissimilar in structure, function, composition, quality, or origin.

The area that immediately underlies a riverbed, varying in depth depending on geologic structure, composition, and the size of the river bottom. Organisms can be quite plentiful in this zone, at times even more abundant than those inhabiting the river bottom itself, with oxygen being the limiting factor.

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

An explanation for natural or other phenomena, developed using abductive reasoning following observation (the scientific method). The hypothesis is tested through the use of designed experiments, and shown to be either valid or invalid. If the original research hypothesis is deemed invalid, a new hypothesis must be developed, often based on further ovservation as well as the results from the previous experiment(s).

A scale comparing relative values with each other or a predetermined reference.

The process by which precipitation seeps into sub-surface layers of the soil; some is held as soil moisture recharge, some resurfaces as streamflow, and the remainder becomes part of groundwater flows (aquifers).
Also known as Percolation.

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

Precipitation that infiltrates into and flows just below the soil surface, and that moves toward a drainage channel in the same direction as overland flow, but at a slower rate.

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

Definition: An inland body of water, generally of considerable size, that collects and stores usually fresh water from surface runoff, and where there is little or no horizontal movement of the impounded water. Lakes can be formed by volcanic, human, or glacial activity; by mass wasting such as landslides; or by stream channel abandonment such as may occur with old, meandering rivers (an "oxbow" lake).

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Ecology, Geography, Geology, Hydrology, Real Estate, Science, Water

The first step in the scientific method, observation is the act of examining, inspecting, or scrutinizing natural or other phenomena in such a manner that leads to the use of abductive reasoning to explain them.

The actual outcome of a designed experiment using the scientific method. This outcome is compared to the expected outcome as described in the research hypothesis, and a conclusion is made that the experimental data either supports or contradicts the hypothesis.

Surface runoff that is flowing toward a confining channel such as a river or stream. Some overland flow is captured by surface bodies of water such as lakes, ponds, or wetlands before it can reach the stream or river channel.

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

The process by which precipitation seeps into sub-surface layers of the soil; some is held as soil moisture recharge, some resurfaces as streamflow, and the remainder becomes part of groundwater flows (aquifers).
Also known as Infiltration.

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

Occurring regularly or semi-regularly in time, as a periodic tenancy, periodic rent, periodic portfolio review, etc.

Definition:
1. (n.) Area of plain or rolling land along the foot of a mountain range
2. (adj.) Located at the base of a mountain or mountain range.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Ecology, Geography, Geology, Science

A ridge of rock, coral, or sand at or near the surface of a body of water.

A pattern of regular or semi-regular occurrences or processes that characterizes and governs a natural system, as in precipitation regime, fire regime, disturbance regime, etc.

Definition:
1. Biology, Ecology, Forestry: A species of plant or animal existing in geographic or temporal isolation; plants or animals that exist in local areas smaller than their historic ranges, either from an earlier time period or as some of the last remaining examples of nearly extinct species.
2. Restoration: Isolated areas of ecosystems that have not been impacted by human activities and are still subject to a historic and natural disturbance regime.
3. Geology: Minerals, rocks, or other geologic structures or features that remain after the exterior material that previously covered or surrounded them is no longer there, as through erosion or chemical reaction.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Biology, Botany, Conservation and Sustainability, Ecology, Forestry and Silviculture, Geology, Management, Restoration, Science and Research

Definition: The gradual and permanent acquisition of dry, usable land due to receding waters in a non-navigable waterway.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Agriculture, Geography, Hydrology, Real Estate, Science, Survey, Water

The outcome of an experiment conducted using the scientific method. This observed result is compared to the expected result according to the research hypothesis, and a conclusion is made about whether the results support or contradict the hypothesis.

A main or primary drainage channel and its associated tributaries, larger than a stream.

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

The semi-impermeable and impermeable layers located at the bottom of a river or stream channel; the bottom of a river channel, beneath which water does not penetrate or penetrates extremely slowly.

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

Water that flows over the earth's surface; precipitation that falls to the earth, is not infiltrated, evaporated, or transpired, and exceeds the capacity of the soil or the vegetation to absorb it.
Also known as Surface runoff.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Agriculture, Ecology, Forestry and Silviculture, Hydrology, Management, Pollution, Science, Water

1. The series of rational steps that leads to the proof (or disproof) of a scientific or research hypothesis. The steps are observation, which leads to the formulation of a hypothesis through abductive reasoning, followed by tests or experiments to determine the validity of the hypothesis (deductive reasoning). The observed result of the experiment is compared to the expected result, and a conclusion is made supporting or contradicting the hypothesis. 2. The scientific method is the process by which scientific facts are discovered, proven, or learned.

Definition: Former name of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a federal agency of the United States created in 1935 to assist private landowners and managers with conservation and protection of soil, water, and other natural resources. The NRCS provides information and consultation services, as well as financial assistance for conservation projects and programs.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Agriculture, Conservation and Sustainability, Forestry, Hydrology, Management, Science, Water

A steady flow or current of water on the earth, such as a river, creek or brook.