Science, Research, and the Scientific Method

1. The process of incorporating observations about a situation or phenomenon into a framework of prior knowledge, allowing one to propose possible explanations for it. This type of reasoning is necessary for the formulation of hypotheses using the scientific method. 2. Using specific observations or accepted scientific facts to develop tentative explanations for situations or phenomena. This process often involves the use of analogies in developing possible explanations, also known as hypotheses.

The process of incorporating observations about a situation or phenomenon into a framework of prior knowledge, allowing one to propose possible explanations for it. This type of reasoning is necessary for the formulation of hypotheses using the scientific method.

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.

One (1) acre equals 43,560 square feet.
One (1) acre equals 0.4047 hectares.
One (1) acre equals 10 square chains.
One (1) acre equals 160 square rods.
One (1) acre equals 160 square poles.
One (1) acre equals 160 square perches.
One (1) acre equals 4,840 square yards.
One (1) acre equals 4,046.856 square meters.
One (1) acre equals 0.0016 square miles.
One (1) acre equals 0.0016 sections.
One (1) acre equals 0.004 square kilometers.
One (1) acre equals 0.0000434 townships.
One (1) acre equals 1.183676 arpents.
One (1) acre equals 4.0 roods.

Term describing the incorporation of ecological considerations into agricultural operations, with special emphasis on ecological and ecosystem sustainability.

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

Agricultural production that includes ecological and sustainability concerns in addition to economic and commodity values. Also known as sustainable agriculture, this set of farming methods often includes organic farming, locally-based food production, biological pest control, and unique marketing strategies. This type of system is sustainable in the sense that the social, economic, and ecological benefits can last for extended periods of time without degradation of natural resources.

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

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

Definition: The applied science which includes the body of knowledge and field of study of auctions, specifically the actions and behavior of the auction participants. Auction theory is a sub-discipline of game theory that seeks to explain the nature and properties of auction markets.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Auction, Real Estate, Science

Natural Sciences: 1. The steep, sloped sides of a river or stream that create the channel in which streamflow is carried; the sloped sides of any drainage or irrigation channel.
2. A ledge or other elevated formation under the surface of a sea or ocean that forms an area of relatively shallow water.
Finance: 3. An institution where funds are deposited and held in various types of accounts. Banks usually allow account holders to issue checks or notes on funds held by the bank; banks may also lend funds or even issue money.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Ecology, Economy, Finance and Investment, Hydrology, Science, Water

Water that has percolated into the soil of the banks of a stream or river as a result of rising water levels in the stream or river channel; the capacity of the banks of a stream or river to store water.

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

See "Drainage basin".

The trunk of a tree.

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.

The point where two streams or rivers meet, forming a larger river; the point where a tributary joins the main river channel.

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

1. An easement designed to preserve and protect open space or important natural areas.
2. A legal agreement between a landowner and either a land trust or government entity that restricts land use and development on a parcel of real property so as to preserve and protect its conservation and natural resource values.

Definition: A structure acting as a barrier to hold back water, usually erected as a bank or wall across a free-flowing watercourse such as a stream or river. Dams may be constructed of earth, rocks, logs, or anything else that will create a reservoir; large modern dams are usually constructed almost wholly of concrete reinforced with steel. The purposes of dams include flood control, irrigation, navigation, recreation, and the generation of hydroelectric power. Nearly every major river in the world has at least one dam. Some of the drawbacks of dams include degraded habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife; reductions in water quality; reduced streamflows; and interruption of the natural sediment deposition cycle.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Agriculture, Biology, Conservation and Sustainability, Construction and Building, Ecology, Forestry and Silviculture, Geography, Hydrology, Management, Science, Water

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.

Diameter of a tree bole measured at a height of 4.5 feet. Usually recorded in inches (in) or centimeters (cm).

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.

Toward the direction of a mouth, confluence, or other endpoint of a stream or river; the direction in which a river or stream is flowing.

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