| DEFINITIONS
Aquifer - An underground body of porous sand, gravel, or fractured rock
filled with water and capable of supplying useful quantities of water to a well or spring.
Erosion - Process whereby materials of the Earth's crust are loosened,
dissolved, or worn away and moved, usually by water or wind.
Ground Water -
Water in the saturated zone beneath the Earth's surface.
Nonpoint Source of Pollution -
Pollution from a broad area such as areas of fertilizer and pesticide application,
rather than from point sources.
Point Source of Pollution - Pollution
originating from a discrete source, such as the outflow from a pipe,
ditch, tunnel, or well.
Sediment - Particles derived from rock or organic
materials that have been transported by water or wind.
Surface Water -
Water that is on the Earth's surface, such as rivers, streams, lakes,
and reservoirs.
Unconfined Aquifer -
An aquifer whose upper water surface (water table) is at atmospheric
pressure and is free to rise and fall.
Water Pollution -
Presence of any substance in water or addition of any substance
to water that
restricts
the use of
water.
Water Table -
The top of the water surface in the saturated area of an aquifer.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The following individuals contributed to the development
of this
poster:
| | Project Chief, Principal Author, and Layout: | Stephen Vandas, U.S. Geological Survey, |
| | | Denver, Colorado |
| | Artwork: | Frank Farrar, Frank Farrar Graphics, Denver, Colorado, under contract to the |
| | | National Science Teachers Association |
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the U.S. Department
of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally
owned public lands and natural resources. This responsibility
includes fostering the wisest use of our land and water resources,
protecting our fish and wildlife, preserving the environmental
and cultural values of our national parks and historical places,
and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation.
The Department assesses our energy and mineral resources and
works to ensure that their development is in the best interests
of all our people. The Department also has a major responsibility
for Native American reservation communities and for people who
live in island territories under United States administration.
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