Definition Groundwater is water that is found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand, and rock. Expanded Explanation Groundwater is stored in and moves slowly through geologic formations of soil, sand, and rocks called aquifers. It is a critical part of our planet’s water cycle and contributes to the flow of our rivers […]
Definition A catchment, also known as a drainage basin or watershed, is an area of land where all the water that falls as precipitation collects into a common outlet like a river, lake, or ocean. Expanded Explanation The boundaries of a catchment are determined by the topography or the shape of the land, with ridges
Definition A drainage basin, also known as a watershed or catchment area, is a geographical area of land where all surface water from rain, melting snow, or ice converges to a single point, usually a river, lake, or ocean. Expanded Explanation The boundaries of a drainage basin are determined by the landscape’s natural features, such
Definition The water table is the upper surface of the zone of saturation in the ground where all pores in the soil or rock are filled with water. Expanded Explanation The water table is a significant concept in hydrology and environmental science. It represents the boundary between the unsaturated zone, where pores in the soil
Definition Hydrogeology is the branch of geology that deals with the distribution and movement of groundwater in the soil and rocks of the Earth’s crust. Expanded Explanation Hydrogeology focuses on understanding how water interacts with the surface and subsurface layers of the Earth. This field studies the properties of the Earth’s components like soil and
Definition Carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases, measured in units of carbon dioxide, that are emitted by an individual, event, organization, or product. Expanded Explanation A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced. It’s usually
Definition Greenhouse gases are gases in Earth’s atmosphere that trap heat from the sun. They let sunlight pass through the atmosphere, but they prevent the heat that the sunlight brings from leaving the atmosphere. Expanded Explanation Greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. These gases occur
Definition Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning carbon and organic compounds and by respiration, naturally present in air. Expanded Explanation CO2 is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing significantly to global warming and climate change when its concentration exceeds natural levels. Importance Understanding CO2 is essential
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Definition Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time period, compared to carbon dioxide. Expanded Explanation GWP calculates the total energy that a gas absorbs over a particular period (usually 100 years), taking into account the gas’s longevity. The calculation is
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Definition Renewable energy refers to energy generated from natural resources that are replenished continuously. Notable sources include solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. Expanded Explanation Renewable energy is a key aspect of sustainable development and climate change mitigation. It harnesses nature’s bounty, providing a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Importance Renewable energy
