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The process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by wind or water flow, and then transported and deposited in other locations. Controlling erosion is a significant aspect of watershed management, as it influences water quality and sedimentation.

A fundamental equation that describes the flow of a fluid through a porous medium. The law states that the flow velocity is proportional to the hydraulic gradient assuming constant permeability and cross-sectional area. Used in hydrogeology to predict the groundwater flow.

A land area that channels rainfall and snowmelt to creeks, streams, and rivers, and eventually to outflow points such as reservoirs, bays, and the ocean. It is integral to managing water resources as it defines the natural catchment area for water supply.

The process of removing dissolved salts from water to produce water suitable for human consumption or irrigation. Plays a crucial role in water management in areas where freshwater resources are scarce but seawater is abundant.

A graph showing the rate of flow (discharge) versus time past a specific point in a river, or other channel or conduit carrying flow. It is useful for understanding flood events and designing flood control systems.

An area of land that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, where oxygen-free processes prevail. Wetlands are key ecosystems that provide water purification, flood protection, and habitat diversity. They are often a focus for conservation in water management strategies.

The process of settling and deposition of sediment carried by water, typically seen in basins and waterways. It's an important process to manage in reservoirs and water treatment, as excessive sedimentation can reduce storage capacities and block water flow.

The area from which rainfall flows into a river, basin, or reservoir. Understanding and managing catchments is critical for maximizing water collection and maintaining quality.

The surface where the water pressure head is equal to the atmospheric pressure (where gauge pressure = 0). It defines the top of the saturated zone in an unconfined aquifer.

The ability of a material (especially soil or rock) to allow fluids to pass through it; the ease with which a fluid can move through between the particles or cracks of a rock layer. It's important in understanding aquifer and soil characteristics for water resource planning.

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. The cycle includes processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, runoff, and subsurface flow. Understanding this cycle is essential for effective water resource management.

A property of soil or rock that describes the ease with which water can move through pore spaces or fractures. It is a critical parameter in managing groundwater flow and pollutant transport.

The effort to reduce runoff of rainwater or melted snow into streets, lawns and other sites and the improvement of water quality, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is an essential aspect of urban planning to prevent flooding and water pollution.

The artificial application of water to the land or soil to assist in the growing of agricultural crops, maintenance of landscapes, and revegetation of disturbed soils. Its efficient design and management are crucial to sustainable water use in agriculture and preservation of water resources.

The study of the transfer of water and energy between the land surface and lower atmosphere. Hydrometeorology provides important information for flood and drought prediction, irrigation scheduling, and water resource planning.

The ratio of the volume of water that drains from a saturated soil or rock due to gravity to the total volume of the porous medium. Specific yield is used in evaluating groundwater resources and aquifer properties.

The process by which water from precipitation and streams is added to the groundwater reserve. Ensuring sufficient recharge is essential for the sustainability of water resources, particularly in areas overly dependent on groundwater.

The interface between land and a river or stream, which plays a key role in providing habitat, bank stability, and water quality. Riparian zones are managed to protect ecosystems and maintain the health of waterways.

The sum total of water loss from a given area, due to evaporation from land and water surfaces and transpiration by plants. It is considered when calculating water balance in a region and for planning irrigation needs.

The process by which moisture is carried from plants to the atmosphere, through the process where water is absorbed by the roots and then moved through the plants to small pores on the underside of the leaves, where it changes to vapor and is released. It is an important component of the hydrologic cycle and water management in agriculture.

The process of converting wastewater into an effluent that can be either returned to the water cycle with minimal environmental issues or reused. It's crucial for maintaining water quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Water that is safe enough for drinking and food preparation. Treatment and distribution of potable water are key public health concerns within the scope of water resources engineering.

A generally flat area of land next to a river or stream that stretches from the banks of its channel to the base of the enclosing valley walls and experiences flooding during periods of high discharge. Its management is vital for flood defense planning and ecosystem services.

An underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, silt, or clay) from which groundwater can be extracted using a water well. Plays a critical role in maintaining the natural water cycle and supplying fresh water.