| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Weathering | the gradual wearing down of a geological formation due to physical or chemical changes to the surfaces of rock |
| Erosion | rock or soil of Earth's surface is moved to another location by the flow of water, ice or wind, as well as the constant pull of gravity |
| Deposition | occurs as sediment, which is created by weathering and erosion, then moved by gravity, settles in a different location |
| Watershed | an area of land from which water flows into a larger body of water such as a river, lake, stream, ocean, or aquifer |
| Groundwater | obtained from aquifers, which are areas located underground where water is stored in the pore spaces of soil and rock |
| Point Source Pollution | the source of chemicals or other contaminants is apparent, such as a wastewater treatment plant or a factory that releases waste directly into the water |
| Non-Point Source Pollution | no single source of pollution is evident, but contaminants still exist, such as fertilizer or pet waste running off from suburban yards and into storm drains. |
| agents of erosion | wind, running water, ice and gravity |
| Watershed | the basin or area of land in which a specific drainage system lies |
