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A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one. Tributaries contribute to the flow of the main river and increase its water volume.

Groundwater is the water found in the saturated zone of soil and rock below the Earth's surface. It replenishes surface waters and is a critical source of water for irrigation and drinking.

The riparian zone is the interface between land and a river or stream. Riparian zones are vital for the ecosystem health, providing habitat, bank stabilization, and water quality improvement.

A watershed is an area of land where all of the water that falls in it and drains off of it goes into the same place, such as a river, lake, or ocean. It plays a crucial role in collecting precipitation and channeling it into larger water bodies.

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year. They act as natural water filters and flood protectors.

An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, silt, or clay) from which groundwater can be extracted. It serves as a vital groundwater storage area.

A confluence is the point where two or more streams or rivers meet and combine their waters. It affects the watershed's runoff patterns and can create diverse and productive ecosystems.

A drainage divide is a geographical barrier, such as a ridge, hill, or mountain, that separates neighboring watersheds. It determines the flow direction of surface water.

Surface runoff is the water flow that occurs when soil is infiltrated to full capacity and excess water from rain, snowmelt, or other sources flows over the land. It's essential for river flow but can carry pollutants and sediment.