Glossary extracted starting with automatic seeds, with BOW for the domain met and language EN

aerated lagoona holding and/or treatment pond that speeds up the natural process of biological decomposition of organic waste by stimulating the growth and activity of bacteria that degrade organic waste.
system elementSystem elements are the kinds of things or substances composing the system
debris avalanchea downward slide of loose, earthen material (soil, mud, and small rocks) that begins suddenly and travels at great speeds — similar to a snow avalanche
volcanoIt’s any place where lave, ash or volcanic gases escape to the surface
hydrostatic headIn hydrologic terms, a measure of pressure at a given point in a liquid in terms of the vertical height of a column of the same liquid which would produce the same pressure
frequency curveA curve that expresses the relation between the frequency distribution plot, with the magnitude of the variables as abscissas and the number of occurrences of each magnitude in a given period as ordinates
aphelionThe point on the earth's orbit that is farthest from the sun
ice crystalsA barely visible crystalline form of ice that has the shape of needles, columns or plates
isobarA line connecting points of equal pressure.
second-day feetThe volume of water represented by a flow of one cubic foot per second for 24 hours; equal to 84,000 cubic feet
haystackA large standing wave caused by deceleration of current.
earthlightThe faint illumination of the dark part of the moon's disk produced by sunlight reflected onto the moon from the earth's surface and atmosphere.
traceGenerally, an unmeasurable or insignificant quantity
composite hydrographA stream discharge hydrograph which includes base flow, or one which corresponds to a net rain storm of duration longer than one unit period.
reverse osmosisa water treatment method whereby water is forced through a semipermeable membrane which filters out impurities.
gradientGradient (GRAD)
volcanoAn elevated area of land created from the release of lava and ejection of ash and rock fragments from and volcanic vent.
continental air massA dry air mass originating over a large land area.
inselbergA German term used to describe a steep-sided hill composed of rock that rises from a pediplain.
geologyThe field of knowledge that studies the origin, structure, chemical composition, and history of the Earth and other planets.
in-situ flushingintroduction of large volumes of water, at times supplemented with cleaning compounds, into soil, waste, or groundwater to flush hazardous contaminants from a site.
earthen damAn embankment dam in which more than 50% of the total volume is formed of compacted fine-grained material
altitudeA measure of height of an object, usually with reference to the Earth's surface, or sea level.
syria planum*A martian plateau located at -15°, 105°, southeast of Tharsis, from a placename applied in 1958 by the IAU to a portion of Thaumasia
wrrthe World Radiometric Reference, which provides the basis for all measurements by radiometers in the world
land applicationdischarge of wastewater onto the ground for treatment or reuse.
aphelionThe location in the orbit when Earth (or any other planet) is farthest away from the Sun.
coefficient of determinationStatistic that measures the proportion of the variation in the dependent variable that is associated with the statistical regression of an independent variable
reliefThe range of topographic elevation within a specific area.
map scaleRatio between the distance between two points found on a map compared to the actual distance between these points in the real world.
infraredvisible, ultraviolet, x-rays, gamma rays, and cosmic rays.
originThe arbitrary starting point on a graph or grid coordinate system
dissolutionThe process of a substance dissolving and dispersing into a liquid.
cooling degree-dayA measure of the need for air conditioning when the average daily temperature is above 65 ·F (18 ·C); computed by subtracting 65 ·F from the average daily temperature in ·F.
ultramaficRock that is rich in magnesium and iron content.
appropriation doctrinethe system for allocating water to private individuals used in most Western states
backscatteringPortion of solar radiation directed back into space as a result of particle scattering in the atmosphere.
angle of restangle at which material will remain stable
faceThe external surface of a structure, such as the surface of a dam.
flood plainAny land area susceptible to being inundated by water from any source
temperatureThe measure of molecular motion or the degree of heat of a substance
footThe bottom edge of a sail.
shortwave radiationElectromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 0.1 and 0.7 micrometers (µm)
mean solar dayTime it takes to complete one Earth rotation relative to the position of the Sun (for example, from midnight to midnight)
effluent limitationrestrictions established by a a regulating agency such as a State or the EPA in an NPDES permit on quantities, rates, and concentrations in wastewater discharges.
gravityThe force exerted by the Earth that pulls bodies toward it.
law of basin areasMorphometric relationship observed in the mean basin area size of stream segments of a particular classification order in stream channel branching
ice boomA floating structure designed to retain ice.
thermosphereAtmospheric layer above the mesosphere (above 80 kilometers) characterized by air temperatures rising rapidly with height
breakup jamIce jam that occurs as a result of the accumulation of broken ice pieces.
floeAn accumulation of frazil flocs (also known as a "pan") or a single piece of broken ice.
thunderstormthey are completely detached from the base of the cumulonimbus cloud.
vaclusian streamA stream that begins underground.
heterosphereThe upper layer in a two part classification of the atmosphere based on the general homogeneity of chemical composition
maximumThe greatest value attained by a function, for example, temperature, pressure, or wind speed
utopia planitia*A martian plain located at 40°, 260°
dyneA unit of force that creates an acceleration on a mass of 1 gram equal to 1 centimeter per second
hot spotA volcanic area on the surface of the Earth created by a rising plume of magma.
impaired water bodya water body that has been determined under state and federal law as not meeting water quality standards, or having the potential to do so in the future.
striationsGrooves of scratches found in surface rock that are the result of glacial abrasion.
decomposable wastewaste that under suitable natural conditions can be transformed through biological and chemical processes into compounds that do not impair water quality.
osmosisthe passage of a liquid from a weak solution to a more concentrated solution across a semi-permeable membrane that allows passage of the solvent (water) but not the dissolved solids.
outburst floodSee Jokulhlaup.
ionsElectrically charged atoms or molecules.
scaleA specific relative or proportional size or extent of a phenomena as measured through space and/or time.
mesonetA regional network of observing stations (usually surface stations) designed to diagnose mesoscale weather features and their associated processes.
meteoritea chunk of rock and/or metal that has broken off a larger space object, such as an asteroid or a comet, and falls to Earth's surface.
dischargerany person who discharges waste that could affect the quality of state waters
penumbraOuter, lighter area of a sunspot.
laterizationSoil forming process that creates a laterite layer.
reference markA relatively permanent point of known elevation which is tied to a benchmark.
cfsCubic feet per second
sewera system of underground pipes that collect and deliver wastewater to treatment facilities or streams.
oceanographyThe study of the ocean, embracing and integrating all knowledge pertaining to the ocean's physical boundaries, the chemistry and physics of sea water, and marine biology.
sidecurlerA reversal parallel to the main current, formed by a side current passing over a rock as it enters the main channel.
migrationMovement of organisms in an intentional way between two points in space
spatial analysisThe examination of the spatial pattern of natural and human-made phenomena using numerical analysis and statistics.
dambrkThe Dam Break Forecasting Model.
streamA long narrow channel of water that flows as a function of gravity and elevation across the Earth's surface
funnel cloudA tornado which is beginning its descent from the base of a cumulonimbus cloud
solar panela source of power for satellites, made up of many individual solar cells, which are devices for transforming the energy of sunlight into electricity.
water recyclingthe treatment of wastewater making it suitable for reuse.
tropical disturbanceA discrete tropical weather system of apparently organized convection -- generally 100 to 300 nmi in diameter -- originating in the tropics or subtropics, having a nonfrontal migratory character, and maintaining its identity for 24 hours or more
permanent workWork that must be performed through repairs or replacement to restore an eligible facility on the basis of its pre-disaster design, use and current applicable standards
pulaskia combination ax and hoe, used to dig a fireline
fissurea crack in Earth's surface through which volcanic materials can escape.
ground waterWater within the earth that supplies wells and springs; water in the zone of saturation where all openings in rocks and soil are filled, the upper surface of which forms the water table
h-alphaIn solar-terrestrial terms, this absorption line of neutral hydrogen falls in the red part of the visible spectrum and is convenient for solar observations
headIn hydrologic terms, the difference between the pool height and tailwater height
circulateto move in a circle, circuit or orbit; to flow without obstruction; to follow a course that returns to the starting point.
wavelengththe distance between adjacent peaks or troughs of a wave
natural selectionEnvironment's influence on the reproductive success of individuals in a population
periglacialLandforms created by processes associated with intense freeze-thaw action in an area high latitude areas or near an alpine or continental glacier.
spray irrigationapplication of finely divided water droplets to crops using artificial means.
mutualismInterspecific interaction where both species experience and increase in their fitness after interacting with the other species
small circleA circle on the globe's surface that does not bisect the center of the Earth
microorganismExtremely small organism that can only be seen using a microscope.
greenhouse warmingThe possible heating of the planet over and above the natural greenhouse effect as a result of increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide.
leachatewater containing contaminants which leaks from a disposal site such as a landfill or dump.
diurnaldaily, or the daily cycle
ring of firethe name given to the geologically active belt around the Pacific Ocean that is home to more than 75 percent of the world's volcanoes.
steppeRussian term for mid-latitude grasslands.
storage equationThe equation for the conservation of mass.
basea substance that has a pH of more than 7, which is neutral
boulder fanA sloping, fan-shaped mass of boulders deposited by a tributary stream where it enters into the main canyon
methoxychlorpesticide that causes adverse health effects when found in domestic water supplies
solar constantA term used to describe the average quantity of solar insolation received by a horizontal surface at the edge of the Earth's atmosphere
gradient windAny horizontal wind velocity tangent to the contour line of a constant-pressure surface (or to the isobar of a geopotential surface) at the point in question
acida substance that has a pH of less than 7, which is neutral
richter scaleA logarithmic measurement scale of earthquake magnitude
duration curveA cumulative frequency curve that shows the percent of time during which specified units of items (e.g
forcingA term used to describe the situation where a change or an event in one part of the atmosphere causes a strengthening change in another part of the atmosphere
instabilityThe tendency for air parcels to accelerate when they are displaced from their original position.  The greater the instability, the greater the potential for severe thunderstorms.  One way instability is measured is with a value of CAPE (Convective Available Potential Energy) in Joules per kilogram (energy per unit mass).
runway visual rangeAn instrumentally-derived value, based on standard calibrations, that represents the horizontal distance a pilot may see down the runway from the approach end.
spin-stabilizedAttitude control is done by having the entire satellite spin
u.s. geological surveyThe Federal Agency chartered in 1879 by congress to classify public lands, and to examine the geologic structure, mineral resources, and products of the national domain
rainbowGroups of concentric arcs with colors ranging from violet to red, produced on a "screen" of water drops (raindrops, droplets of drizzle or fog) in the atmosphere by light from the Sun or Moon
equatorThe imaginary great circle of 0 degrees latitude on the Earth's surface, separating the Northern Hemisphere from the Southern Hemisphere.
species diversityNumber of different species in a given region.
relative humiditythe ratio of the current amount of vapor in the air to how much vapor the air can hold at saturation
highest astronomical tideThe highest level of water that can be predicted to occur under average meteorological conditions and any combination of astronomical conditions
fundamental nicheDescribes the total range of environmental conditions that are suitable for a species existence without the effects of interspecific competition and predation from other species.
ngvdNational Geodetic Vertical Datum
observation météorologique en surfaceUne observation météorologique en surface est une évaluation d'éléments météorologiques, faite visuellement et/ou à l'aide d'instruments, à un endroit précis de la surface de la Terre, généralement une station d'observation météorologique.
rcbapResidential Condominium Building Association Policy
nutrient cyclethe cyclic conversions of nutrients from one form to another within biological communities
strataThe layers or beds found in sedimentary rock.
gelisolsSoil order (type) of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Classification System
hicThe Hydrometeorological Information Center of the Office of Hydrology (OH).
lightningA visible electrical discharge produced by thunderstorms caused by an imbalance of electrons between different storm cells or between the thunderstorm and the ground.
geomorphologyThe field of knowledge that investigates the origin of landforms on the Earth and other planets.
conservation tillagethe practice of leaving vegetation on fields during idle periods to protect the soil from erosion and trap moisture.
shield volcanoa volcano with long, gentle slopes, built primarily by lava flows.
geostationary orbitSatellite that has an orbit that keeps it over the same point on the Earth at all times
non-clastic sedimentary rockSedimentary rocks that are created either from chemical precipitation and crystallization, or by the lithification once living organic matter.
bedding planeA layer in a series of sedimentary beds that marks a change in the type of deposits.
hydrocarbonschemical compounds that consist entirely of carbon and hydrogen; also referred to as volatile organic compound.
mantlefiercely hot rock 1,800 miles deep beneath the crust
boatRaft
endangered speciesone having so few individual survivors that the species could soon become extinct in all or part of its region.
scoriabubble-filled stones ejected from a volcano
thalwegthe line of maximum depth in a stream
pha measure of the relative acidity or alkalinity of water
double-oar turnRowing technique used to turn (or to prevent the turning of) a raft
laboratory waterpurified water used in the laboratory as a basis for making up solutions or making dilutions
measurement uncertaintythe bounds that should be placed on a measured value because of uncertainties in the measurement
lobeA tongue-like extension of some material
rate of changeThe derivative or change in a parameters value with respect to time
salinityamount of dissolved salts in a given volume of water.
atmosphereA gaseous covering to a planet that is bound by gravity
community water systemIn Texas, a public water system which has a potential to serve at least 15 residential service connections on a year-round basis or serves at least 25 residents on a year-round basis.
point dischargeInstantaneous rate of discharge, in contrast to the mean rate for an interval of time.
tempTemperature- A measure of the internal energy that a substance contains
averageThe result you get when you add several amounts together and divide the total by the number of amounts.
bowen reaction seriesModel that explains the origin of the various types of igneous rocks
present movementThe best estimate of the movement of the center of a tropical cyclone at a given time and given position
langleyUnit of the intensity of radiation measured per minute and equal to one calorie.
pore pressureThe interstitial pressure of water within a mass of soil, rock, or concrete.
explosive eruptionVolcanic eruption where high-viscosity granite-rich magma causes an explosion of ash and pyroclastic material
hummocked iceIce piled haphazardly one piece over another to form an uneven surface.
painterA line, usually about 20 feet long, attached to the bow of paddle rafts and the stern of oar rafts
hipaaHealth Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
magnetic reversalA change in the polarity of the Earth's magnetic field
matric forceForce that holds soil water from 0.0002 to 0.06 millimeters from the surface of soil particles
accuracyThe degree of conformity of an indicated value to an accepted standard value, or ideal value
dormantwhen a volcano remains inactive for a long time
circumsolar radiationthe amount of solar radiation coming from a circle in the sky centered on the sun's disk and having a radius of between 2.5 and 3.5 degrees, depending on the type of instrument being used to measure beam radiation (direct normal irradiance)
desalinateTo remove salt from.
initial lossIn hydrology, rainfall preceding the beginning of surface runoff
biomassThe weight of living tissues usually measured per unit area over a particular time interval
varianceThe sum of the squared deviations divided by one less than the number of elements in the set.
mapThe average rainfall over a given area, generally expressed as an average depth over the area.
force of accelerationForce resulting in the speed of a moving body to increase.
mass curveA graph of the cumulative values of a hydrologic quantity (such as precipitation or runoff), generally as ordinate, plotted against time or date.
graphic scaleWay of expressing the scale of a map with a graphic.
indicator organismsmicroorganisms, such as coliforms, whose presence is indicative of pollution or of more harmful microorganism.
cartwheelingTechnique of spinning a raft just before a collision with a rock so as to rotate the raft off and around the rock.
sealthe impermeable material, such as cement grout bentonite, or puddling clay placed in the annular space between the borehole wall and the casing of a water well to prevent the downhole movement of surface water or the vertical mixing of artestian waters.
sneakTo take an easy route around a difficult spot
perchloroethylenea chlorinated solvent commonly used in dry cleaning
floodingA general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from the overflow of inland or tidal water, or rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source
fold mountainsCompressed sedimentary rocks that rise in a series of concertina-like folds.
minimum streamflowthe specific amount of water reserved to support aquatic life, to minimize pollution, or for recreation
opFEMA’s Office of Policy and Regional Operations
nom de la stationLe nom de la station est le nom officiel de chaque station météorologique attribué par le Service météorologique du Canada (SMC), tel qu'inscrit dans les Archives climatiques nationales.
dykeThin vertical veins of igneous rock that form when magma enters and cools in fractures found within the crust
spottingthe starting of new fires, called spot fires, by sparks and embers that drift ahead of an advancing wildfire.
liquidA state of matter where molecules have the ability to flow and the surface of this mass displays the property of surface tension.
conethe sloping walls of a volcano (not all volcanoes have cones).
portNautical term for the left side of a yacht when facing forward.
system boundaryOuter edge of system
distribution graphA unit hydrograph of direct runoff modified to show the proportions of the volume of runoff that occur during successive equal units of time.
sinkholeA pit like hole in found in areas of karst
correlation coefficientStatistic that measures the degree of linear association between two variables
dischargeThe rate at which water passes a given point
capillary potentialThe work required to move a unit mass of water from the reference plane to any point in the soil column.
parameterAn independent variable.
salinityConcentration of dissolved salts found in a sample of water
high frequencyThe portion of the radio frequency spectrum between between 3 and 30 MHz
immigrant speciesSpecies that migrate into an ecosystem or that are deliberately or accidentally introduced into an ecosystem by humans
radiant energyEnergy in the form of electromagnetic waves and photons
speciationThe process by which new species originate through mutations, natural selection, and evolution.
haloThe ring of light that seems to encircle the sun or moon when veiled by cirrus clouds
trash rackA screen located at an intake to prevent debris from entering.
remote sensingthe determination of a quantity by detecting it from a distance
dust domeDome of air that surrounds a city created from the urban heat island effect that traps pollutants like particulate matter.
wind powerpower, usually in the form of electricity, derived from the wind.
validationcomparison of computer model results with a set of data that were not used for calibration.
tractionErosional movement of particles by rolling, sliding and shuffling along the eroded surface
ground-water rechargeinflow of water to a ground-water reservoir from the surface
plateauHigh altitude area of land, unbroken by mountain ranges.
hardnessa water-quality indication of the concentration of alkaline salts in water, mainly calcium and magnesium
withdrawalwater removed from a ground- or surface-water source for use.
crustthe outermost layer of Earth, varying in thickness from 3.5 miles (5 kilometers) to 50 miles (80 kilometers).
flocculationChemical processes where salt causes the aggregation of minute clay particles into larger masses that are too heavy to remain suspended water.
hailBalls or chunks of ice larger than 1/4 inch in diameter which are produced due to strong updrafts in thunderstorms.
medium rangeIn forecasting, (generally) three to seven days in advance.
hurricane local statementA public release prepared by local National Weather Service offices in or near a threatened area giving specific details for its county/parish warning area on (1) weather conditions, (2) evacuation decisions made by local officials, and (3) other precautions necessary to protect life and property.
remote sensingThe gathering of information from an object or surface without direct contact.
livestock water usewater used for livestock watering, feed lots, dairy operations, fish farming, and other on-farm needs.
stopperA reversal powerful enough to stop a raft momentarily
westerliesUsually applied to the broad patterns of persistent winds with a westerly component
mitochondriaOrganelle in a cell that oxidizes organic (see respiration) energy for use in cellular metabolism.
placeA term used in geography that describes the factors that make the location of natural and human-made phenomena unique.
mistA collection of microscopic water droplets suspended in the atmosphere
coastal zoneRelatively nutrient-rich, shallow part of the ocean that extends from the high-tide mark on land to the edge of the continental shelf.
selsSynoptic Scale (or Large Scale) - Size scale referring generally to weather systems with horizontal dimensions of several hundred miles or more
high energy eventIn solar-terrestrial terms, flares (class two or more) with outstanding Centimetric Bursts and SID
endangered speciesA species found in nature that has so few surviving individuals that the it could soon become extinct in all or most of its natural range
overturned foldA fold in rock layers where one limb is pushed past the perpendicular
south magnetic poleLocation in the Southern Hemisphere where the lines of force from Earth's magnetic field are vertical
chemical weatheringBreakdown of rock and minerals into small sized particles through chemical decomposition.
resource partitioningThe evolutionary process of species living in the same ecosystem dividing up resources so that each species develops dissimilar resource requirements to avoid competition
natural controlA stream gaging control which is natural to the stream channel, in contrast to an artificial control structure by man.
intermediate zoneThe subsurface water zone below the root zone and above the capillary fringe.
sandMineral particle with a size between 0.06 and 2.0 millimeters in diameter
return flowSouth winds on the back (west) side of an eastward-moving surface high pressure system
outfallthe place where a sewer, drain, or stream discharges; the outlet or structure through which reclaimed water or treated effluent is finally discharged to a receiving water body.
kilowatthoura power demand of 1,000 watts for one hour
trihalomethaneschemical compounds in which three of the four hydrogen atoms of methane (CH4) are replaced by halogen atoms
gradient windA theoretical horizontal wind that blows parallel to curved isobars or contours above the friction layer.
hydrologic unitis a geographic area representing part or all of a surface drainage basin or distinct hydrologic feature.
perihelionIt is the point in the Earth's orbit when it is closest to the Sun (147.5 million km)
soft waterany water that does not contain a significant amount of dissolved minerals such as salts of calcium or magnesium.
recumbent foldA fold in which the axial plane is almost horizontal.
noiNotice of Interest
kingdomTop most level of the common system used to classify life
flood frequency curve(1) A graph showing the number of times per year on the average, plotted as abscissa, that floods of magnitude, indicated by the ordinate, are equaled or exceeded
heure normale localeC'est l'heure normale locale qui est utilisée aux fins des observations; c'est l'heure normale du fuseau horaire où est située la station, que l'heure « avancée » ait ou non été adoptée pour d'autres fins
moleculesComposed of atoms, molecules are the smallest units of a substance that retain the chemical properties of that substance.
extinctioncomplete disappearance of a species because of failure to adapt to environmental change.
podzolizationSoil forming process that produces a strongly leached soil with a distinctive iron hardpan layer in the B horizon
colladaA strong, steady wind blowing from the north or northwest in the upper part of the Gulf of California and from the northeast in the lower part.
one-tailed statistical testIs an inferential statistical test where the values for which one can reject the null hypothesis are located entirely in one side of the center of the probability distribution.
hailA mixture of liquid and frozen precipitation
cometA large mass of ice and dust that has an orbit around a star.
flood control storageStorage of water in reservoirs to abate flood damage.
conductionThe transfer of heat through a substance by molecular action or from one substance by being in contact with another.
furrow irrigationirrigation method in which water travels through the field by means of small channels between each group of rows.
white eddyA reversal below a ledge or other underwater obstruction characterized by a foamy backflow at the surface.
sun glintAn example of reflection of sunlight by gently rippled water.
isobarA line connecting equal points of pressure.
standing riggingThe non-moving rods and lines that support the mast and sails.
ieathe International Energy Agency, an autonomous agency linked to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
beamA boat's greatest width.
barotropic systemson the other hand, do not exhibit significant changes in intensity
dust electrificationThe transfer of charges that occur when dust particles collide with each other, sand particles or the surface.
hydrograph separationThe process where the storm hydrograph is separated into baseflow components and surface runoff components.
substationA location where observations are taken or other services are furnished by people not located at NWS offices who do not need to be certified to take observations.
beta particleElectron emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive isotope
freezeup dateDate on which the water body was first observed to be completely frozen over.
mesocycloneLike the mesocyclone, specific criteria involving strength, vertical depth, and time continuity must be met in order for a signature to become a TVS
tower(Short for towering cumulus), a cloud element showing appreciable upward vertical development.
outletAn opening through which water can be freely discharged from a reservoir.
estimatorAn estimator is any value calculated from the sample data For example, the sample mean is an estimator of the population mean.
trophic levelLevel of organization in the grazing food chain.
updraft baseAlternate term for a rain-free base.
frostWhite ice crystals that form on a surface, like the ground or leaves of a plant
limiting factorAbiotic condition that most controls the growth of a species
triple-rigSame as Threesome Raft.
capillary actionthe means by which liquid moves through the porous spaces in a solid, such as soil, plant roots, and the capillary blood vessels in our bodies due to the forces of adhesion, cohesion, and surface tension
incident anglethe angle that a ray (of solar energy, for example) makes with a line perpendicular to the surface
thermal infrared radiationForm of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 3 to 14 micrometers (µm).
coeU.S
fluid dragReduction in the flow velocity of a fluid by the frictional effects of a surface.
conversionA change in form or units.
distance ratioMethod for measuring the gradient of a slope
air massA large body of air, up to several hundred miles wide and several miles deep, that moves across the earth.
thermodynamicsStudy of the processes that involve the transformation of heat into mechanical work, of mechanical work into heat, or the flow of heat from a hotter body to a colder body.
epaEnvironmental Protection Agency.  The federal regulatory agency responsible for protecting environmental quality throughout the nation
hurricane local statementA public release prepared by local National Weather Service Field Offices in or near a threatened area, giving specific details for its county/parish warning area on: 1) weather conditions; 2) evacuation decisions made by local officials; and 3) other precautions necessary to protect life and property.
phScale used to measure the alkalinity or acidity of a substance through the determination of the concentration of hydrogen ions in solution
undercurrentA current below the upper currents or surface of a fluid body.
glaciera huge mass of ice, formed on land by the compaction and recrystallization of snow, that moves very slowly downslope or outward due to its own weight.
indicator speciesSpecies that can be used as a early indicator of environmental degradation to a community or an ecosystem
hydroelectric plantelectric power plant in which the energy of falling water is used to spin a turbine generator to produce electricity.
albedometerAn instrument used for the measurement of the reflecting power (the albedo) of a surface
wave periodThis is the time taken between when any part of a wave passes a fixed point and when the same part of the next wave passes that point.
federal registerThe document, published daily by the Federal Government, which presents regulation changes and legal notices issued by Federal agencies
thalwegThe line of maximum depth in a stream
datacolThe Software System that supports RFC gateway functions.
lichenOrganism that consists of a symbiotic joining of a species of fungi and a species of algae.
micaSilicate mineral that exhibits a platy crystal structure and perfect cleavage
drizzleSmall, slowly falling water droplets, with diameters between .2 and .5 millimeters.
roller waveA reversal
floodway / regulatory floodwayThe channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base (1%-annual-chance) flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height.
pluckingErosive process of particle detachment by moving glacial ice
emergency public shelterGenerally a public school or other such structure designated by county officials as a place of refuge.
independent variableVariable in a statistical test that is thought to be controlling through cause and effect the value of observations in another dependent variable modeled in the test.
deciduous vegetationType of vegetation that sheds its leaves during winter or dry seasons
jet maxSevere weather potential sometimes increases in this area as a result
recurrence intervalThe average time period that separates natural events of a specific magnitude
cationAn ion carrying a positive atomic charge.
pioneer communityCommunity dominated by pioneer species of plants.
ceilingThe height of the lowest layer of broken or overcast cloud layer.
metamorphic rockA rock that forms from the recrystallization of igneous, sedimentary or other metamorphic rocks through pressure increase, temperature rise, or chemical alteration.
treatmentany method, technique, or process designed to remove solids and/or pollutants from solid waste, waste-streams, and effluents.
australian height datumThe datum (adopted by the National Mapping Council of Australia) to which all vertical control for mapping is to be referred to.
staff gageA vertical staff graduated in appropriate units which is placed so that a portion of the gage is in the water at all times
visibilityThe horizontal distance an observer can see and identify a prominent object.
salinityA measure of the quantity of dissolved salts in sea water
hail indexAn indication of whether the thunderstorm structure of each storm identified is conducive to the production of hail.
nuclear energyEnergy released when the nucleus of an atom experiences a nuclear reaction like the spontaneous emission of radioactivity, nuclear fission, or nuclear fusion.
floodproofingAny combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes, or adjustments to structures which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures and their contents.
mesocyclonespecific criteria involving strength, vertical depth, and time continuity must be met in order for a signature to become a TVS
desertificationthe process by which semiarid lands turn to desert (also called land degradation)
live capacityThe total amount of storage capacity available in a reservoir for all purposes, from the dead storage level to the normal water or normal pool level surface level
mcsand can produce damaging straight-line winds over areas hundreds of miles long and more than 100 miles across.
debris basina concrete, bowl-shaped pit built on a mountainside to catch debris from mud and rock slides
physical weatheringbreaking down of parent rock into bits and pieces by exposure to temperature and changes and the physical action of moving ice and water, growing roots, and human activities such as farming and construction
formulaA scientific or mathematical rule expressed in symbols.
spectrumIs a graph that describes the quantity of radiation that is emitted from a body at particular wavelengths.
overflow rateone of the guidelines for design of the settling tanks and clarifiers in a treatment plant.
marbleMetamorphic rock created by the recrystallization of calcite and/or dolomite.
algorithmA computer program (or set of programs) which is designed to systematically solve a certain kind of problem
gleysol soilSoil order (type) of the Canadian System of Soil Classification
keeperA reversal capable of trapping araft for long periods
hydrocarbonOrganic compound composed primarily of hydrogen and carbon atoms
fault-block mountainsMountains formed by the vertical movement of rocks along a set of fault lines.
diffractionThe result of light waves interfering with other after passing through a narrow aperture, causing them to bend or spread.
chromospherePortion of the sun above the photosphere; consists of transparent ionized hydrogen and helium at 4000 to 40,000 ·C.
stage markerA gauge placed along a river shoreline that is calibrated in feet orfractions thereof starting from an arbitrary zero point
successionDirectional cumulative change in the types plant species that occupy a given area, through time.
anti cyclonic rotationRotation in the opposite sense as the Earth's rotation, i.e., clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere as would be seen from above
tropic of capricornA solstice position of the sun with a latitude of 23 degrees, 30 minutes S.
inosilicateSubclass of the silicate class of minerals
mutationChange in the structure of a gene or chromosome.
oar clipA piece of resilient metal in the shape of a pinched U that is used to hold an oar to the thole pin.
pyroxeneA group of single chained inosilicate minerals whose basic chemical unit is the silica tetrahedron (SiO4)
solid-state imaging instrumentA camera currently in use on the space exploration satellite Galileo.
dynamicsGenerally, any forces that produce motion or affect change
second law of thermodynamicsThis law states that heat can never pass spontaneously from a colder to a hotter body
celestial sphereThe apparent sphere of infinite radius having the earth as its center
fault planeThe plane that represents the fracture surface of a fault.
pipingThe progressive development of internal erosion by seepage, appearing downstream as a hole or seam discharging water that contains soil particles.
haliteSedimentary rock created by the chemical precipitation of sodium and chlorine.
cnifCalibration Network Information Files
eastingFirst measurement of a grid reference used to specific the location of a point on a rectangular coordinate system
tropical depressionAn early stage in the development of a hurricane; sustained winds are at least 37 km (23 mi) per hour but less than 63 km (39 mi) per hour.
irrigation water usewater application on lands to assist in the growing of crops and pastures or to maintain vegetative growth in recreational lands, such as parks and golf courses.
eustacyVariations in sea-level that are related to changes in the volume of seawater in the oceans.
specialist speciesSpecies that have a relatively narrow ecological niche
mixed tideTides that have a higher high water and lower high water as well as higher low water and lower low water per tidal period.
tectonic plateAn extensive layer of lithosphere that moves as a discrete unit on the surface of the Earth's asthenosphere.
frozen precipitationPrecipitation that reaches the ground in a frozen state
ozoneTri-atomic oxygen that exists in the Earth's atmosphere as a gas
ecological nicheIs all of the physical, chemical and biological conditions required by a species for survival, growth and reproduction
indirect flood damageExpenditures made as a result of the flood (other than repair) such as relief and rescue work, removing silt and debris, etc.
mossAbout 9,500 species of plants that belong to the division bryophyta
area-capacity curveA graph showing the relation between the surface area of the water in a reservoir, the corresponding volume, and elevation.
creepingthe slow, gradual movement of a hill's upper layers caused by the pull of gravity on loose stones, gravel, and soft topsoil
heat capacityIs the ratio of the amount of heat energy absorbed by a substance compared to its corresponding temperature rise.
gripThe extreme upper end of a single-bladed paddle, shaped for holding with the palm over the top.
solubilitythe amount of mass of a compound that will dissolve in a unit volume of solution.
myriadA large, unspecified number.
remote sensorMechanical devices used to remotely sense an object or phenomenon.
response timeThe amount of time in which it will take a watershed to react to a given rainfall event.
main stemThe reach of a river/stream formed by the tributaries that flow into it.
relocatedA term used in an advisory to indicate that a vector drawn from the preceding advisory position to the latest know position is not necessarily a reasonable representation of the cyclone’s movement
stayA rod or wire that supports the mast in a fore/aft position.
tc idThe TC ID is the identifier assigned by Transport Canada to identify meteorological reports from airport observing sites transmitted in real time in aviation formats.
alkalinitythe capacity of water for neutralizing an acid solution.
hodThe Hydrologist on Duty at an RFC.
leachingextraction or flushing out of dissolved or suspended materials from the soil, solid waste, or another medium by water or other liquids as they percolate down through the medium to groundwater.
geologista scientist who studies the origin, history, and structure of Earth.
algorithmthe set of simple instructions that combine to accomplish a task
deformed iceA general term for ice which has been squeezed together and forced upwards and downwards in places
backwashingreversing the flow of water through a home treatment device filter or membrane to clean and remove deposits.
gypsumSedimentary rock created by the chemical precipitation of calcium, sulfur, and oxygen.
triple pointThe point at which any three atmospheric boundaries meet
photodissociationThe process by which radiation breaks down molecules into their smallest components.
heat advectionThe transfer of energy through the horizontal movements of the air.
isothermA line connecting locations with the same temperature.
reptileGroup of terrestrial vertebrate animals that includes turtles, tortoises, snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and alligators.
wire weight gageA river gage comprised of a weight which is lowered to the water level
equilibriumEquilibrium describes the average condition of a system, as measured through one of its elements or attributes, over a specific period of time.
meteorA body of matter that enters the Earth's atmosphere from space
momentumThe product of mass and velocity.
snow densityThe mass of snow per unit volume which is equal to the water content of the snow divided by its depth.
central receiver systema solar power generator which uses a series of tracking mirrors ( heliostats) or a paraboloid (3-dimensional parabola, or dish) of mirrors to focus solar energy onto a single central receiver such as a boiler, engine, or photovoltaic array.
veldSouth African grasslands.
aircraft turbulenceIrregular motion of an aircraft in flight, especially when characterized by rapid up-and-down motion, caused by a rapid variation of atmospheric wind velocities
population parameterA value used to represent a certain quantifiable characteristic of a population
chelateOrganic substances that cause the chemical process of chelation.
nccfNOAA Central Computer Facility
fairThis is a subjective description
symbiotic mutualismMutualistic interaction where the species interact physically and their relationship is biologically essential for survival.
secondary treatmentsecond step in most waste treatment systems, in which bacteria break down the organic parts of sewage wastes; usually accomplished by bringing the sewage and bacteria together in trickling filters or in the activated sludge process
scsThe Soil Conservation Service, now known as the NRCS (National Resources Conservation Services).
canopythe overhanging cover formed by branches and foliage.
hydrometeorological techniciansIndividuals whose duties include data collection, quality control, gage network maintenance, as well as the gathering and disseminating of data and products at NWS Forecast Offices.
herbA nonwoody angiosperm whose above ground vegetation dies off seasonally.
residual chlorinethe available chlorine which remains in solution after the demand has been satisfied
overthrust faultFault produced by the fracturing of rock in a fold because of intense compression.
landslidethe movement of large amounts of soil, rocks, mud, and other debris downward and outward along a slope.
aspiration meteorographAn instrument, for the recording of two or more meteorological parameters, in which the ventilation is provided by a suction fan.
four-man raftA boat 4 1/2 by 9 feet that will, on small rivers, accommodate one or two people
datanetHydrologic Data Network Analysis Software
altocumulusGrey to white clouds that form in groups or globular masses and look like rolls in layers or patches
normal distributionA common probability distribution displayed by population data
boundary conditionsdefinition or statement of conditions or phenomena at the boundaries of a model; water levels, flows, and concentrations that are specified at the boundaries of the area being modeled.
gage heightthe height of the water surface above the gage datum (zero point)
litterfallMovement of leaves, twigs and other forms of organic matter from the biosphere to the litter layer found in soil.
agglomerateAn ice cover of floe formed by the freezing together of various forms of ice.
limestoneSedimentary rock composed of carbonate minerals, especially calcium carbonate
liquidA substance that can easily flow, but cannot be squeezed together easily.
parts per billionthe number of "parts" by weight of a substance per billion parts of water
sternRear of a boat.
firestormalso called a blowup, it is the most explosive and violent type of wildfire.
hydrologic modelIn hydrologic terms, a conceptual or physically-based procedure for numerically simulating a process or processes which occur in a watershed.
mantlethick, dense layer of rock that lies beneath Earth's crust
index of refractionA measure of how optically dense a substance is
nautical mileA unit of length used in marine navigation equal to a minute of arc of a great circle on a sphere
neutralismInterspecific interaction where the species do not directly influence each other fitness.
utilitySomething useful or providing use.
tropical stormAn organized group of thunderstorms often found over a tropical ocean that generates a cyclonic flow of between 64 and 118 kilometers per hour
inversionAn increase in air temperature with height.
pc-tarePersonal Computer-Time and Attendance Report
global warmingthe theory that average temperatures will rise throughout the world
latitudeThe location north or south in reference to the equator, which is designated at zero (0) degrees
maximum contaminant levelthe designation given by the U.S
correlationA relationship between two values.
silcretesSedimentary rock created by the chemical precipitation of silica.
shaleFine grained sedimentary rock composed of lithified clay particles.
sun-synchronous orbitA special case of the polar orbit
corona dischargeThe electrical breakdown of the isolating properties of a gas that generally causes the emission of light and a hissing sound.
fcexecA component of the NWSRFS FCST Program.
glacial milkTerm used to describe glacial meltwater which has a light colored or cloudy appearance because of clay-sized sediment held in suspension.
correlative rightsrights that are coequal or that relate to one another, so that any one owner cannot take more than his share.
hypothesis testingProcess where an alternative and a null hypothesis are statistically tested for the purpose of falsifying a hypothesis.
genusA group in the classification of organisms
suspended sedimentvery fine soil particles that remain in suspension in water for a considerable period of time without contact with the bottom
realized nicheDescribes the part of the fundamental niche that a species actually occupies.
total gross reservoir capacityThe total amount of storage capacity available in a reservoir for all purposes from the streambed to the normal water or normal water or normal pool surface level
fixed energyA process, like photosynthesis, where organisms repackage inorganic energy into organic energy.
earthquakea sudden shifting of masses of rock beneath Earth's surface, which releases enormous amounts of energy and sends out shock waves that cause the ground to shake.
cirrusHigh-level clouds (16,000 feet or more), composed of ice crystals and appearing in the form of white, delicate filaments or white or mostly-white patches or narrow bands
diatomaceousconsisting of or abounding in diatoms, a class of unicellular or colonial algae having a silicified cell wall that persists as a skeleton after death.
guilda group of species or organisms that use the same environmental resources (habitat, food source, etc.) or life history strategy (such as reproduction) in the same way.
unconformityA break in the sequence of sedimentary strata
plate tectonicsthe geologic theory that Earth's crust is composed of rigid plates that "float" toward or away from each other, either directly or indirectly, creating the major geologic features on the planet's surface.
sugarType of carbohydrate chemically based on carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen.
ionizing radiationThe emission of alpha or beta particles or gamma rays from radioisotopes
doein this context, always refers to the United States Department of Energy, although other departments may have the same acronym.
backwater curveThe longitudinal profile of the surface of a liquid in a non-uniform flow in an open channel, when the water surface is not parallel to the invert owing to the depth of water having been increased by the interposition of an obstruction such as a dam or weir
frostbiteThe partial freezing of exposed parts of the body, causing injury to the skin and sometimes to deeper tissues.
adhesionthe molecular attraction asserted between the surfaces of bodies in contact
hardpanImpervious layer found within the soil
fire whirlDuring a natural or prescribed fire, the flames drastically heat the surface which allows for hot air near the surface to rise
catchment areaAn area of land that feeds a river.
extinct volcanoa volcano that is never expected to erupt again.
state of emergencyA declaration made by the Chief Elected Official of a state, county or city government which entails a heightened level of activation and mobilization of staff to protect property and lives
lake-effect snow advisoryHeavy lake-effect snowfall amounts of generally 4 inches (10 cm) in 12 hours or less or 6 inches (15 cm) in 24 hours or less are imminent or highly likely
heavy snow warningIssued by the National Weather Service when snowfall of 6 inches (15 cm) or more in 12 hours or 8 inches (20 cm) or more in 24 hours is imminent or occurring
flocculationlarge scale treatment process involving gentle stirring whereby small particles in flocs are collected into larger particles so their weight causes them to settle to the bottom of the treatment tank.
benchmarkA permanent point whose known elevation is tied to a national network
finite differencea method of solving the governing equations of a numerical model by dividing the spatial domain into a mesh of nodes
slip-faceThe lee side of a dune where material accumulates and slides or rolls downslope.
epochGeologic time unit that is shorter than a period.
tropical depressionA tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near the surface of less than 39 miles (63 kilometers) an hour
snow coreA sample of either freshly fallen snow, or the combined old and new snow on the ground
conservation biologyMultidisciplinary science that deals with the conservation of genes, species, communities, and ecosystems that make up Earth's biodiversity
frictionthat the flow is straight with no curvature and there is no divergence or convergence with no vertical acceleration.
zulu timeOne of several names for the twenty-four hour time that is used throughout the scientific and military communities
equatorThe geographic circle at 0 degrees latitude on the earth's surface
troposphereLayer in the atmosphere found from the surface to a height of between 8 to 16 kilometers of altitude (average height 11 kilometers)
eddy viscositya model parameter that reproduces the effects of turbulent mixing in fluid flow.
hmd(Hemispheric Map Discussion)- This discussion is issued once a day around 1 PM EST (2 PM EDT) and is primarily intended to provide insight into the hemispheric circulation patterns over the next 5 days
scoState Coordinating Officer
universeAll of the observable phenomena in the celestial cosmos.
basinAn area having a common outlet for its surface runoff.
sandstoneA type of sedimentary rock that contains a large quantity of weathered quartz grains.
tropical disturbanceA discrete tropical weather system of apparently organized convection--generally 100 to 300 mi in diameter--originating in the tropics or subtropics, having a nonfrontal migratory character and maintaining its identity for 24 hours or more
temperatureTemperature is a measure of the warmth or coldness of an object or substance with reference to a standard value
sustainabilitythe long-term capacity of an ecosystem to maintain ecological processes and functions, biological diversity, and productivity.
vapor pressureThe pressure exerted by water molecules in a given volume of the atmosphere
storage(1) Water artificially impounded in surface or underground reservoirs for future use
limbThe edge of a planet from the observer’s vantage point
global warmingIncreased warming of the atmosphere due to increases in the amount of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.
lagThe measure of the time between the center of mass of precipitation to the center of mass of runoff (on the hydrograph); basin lag is a function of not only basin characteristics, but also of storm intensity and movement
biomassThe total amount of living material in a given system.
convergenceA contraction of a vector field; the opposite of divergence
inductionInference of a generalized conclusion from particular instances
vikingA NASA space probe that gave us the first close look at Mars
massRefers to the amount of material found in an object (usually of unit volume).
tolerance model of successionThis model of succession suggests that the change in plant species dominance over time is caused by competition for resources
fathomThe common unit of depth in the ocean for countries using the English system of measurement
graded streamA stream that has a long profile that is in equilibrium with the general slope of the landscape
celsiusÉchelle de température sur laquelle, au niveau de la mer, l'eau a un point de congélation de 0° (Celsius) et un point d'ébullition de +100°
primary producerOrganisms that occupy the first trophic level in the grazing food chain
meteoroidthe term that collectively describes all forms of meteoric material, including meteors and meteorites.
holisticConcerned with a complete system.
pioneer speciesPlant species that dominate a community in the early stages of succession.
convectionValues of CIN typically reflect the strength of the cap
remote sensingThe technology of acquiring data and information about an object without having physical contact with it.
tecTechnical Evaluation Contractor
radial velocityA type of velocity that expresses motion toward or away from a given location
stilling basinA basin constructed to dissipate the energy of fast-flowing water (e.g., from a spillway or bottom outlet), and to protect the streambed from erosion.
standard deviationA statistic that measures the dispersion of a sample.
meniscusThe curved surface of the liquid at the open end of a capillary column.
hypothermiaA rapid, progressive mental and physical collapse that accompanies the lowering of body temperature.
gasA substance, often invisible, made up of small particles that can expand and contract, and move easily.
refractionProcess where insolation is redirect to a new direction of travel after entering another medium.
aerobic treatmentprocess by which microbes decompose complex organic compounds in the presence of oxygen and use the liberated energy for reproduction and growth
ceilingor the height corresponding to the top of a ceiling light projector beam, or the height at which a ceiling balloon disappears during the presence of an indefinite ceiling.
wellan artificial excavation put down by any method for the purposes of withdrawing water from the underground aquifers
remediationmethods used to remove or contain a toxic spill or hazardous materials from a Superfund site; a generic term used to describe cleanup activities.
tropic of cancerA solstice position of the sun with a latitude 23 degrees 27 minutes N.
knota measure of speed equivalent to 1 nautical mile per hour used by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, which is based in Hawaii.
theoryProposed explanation for the causal mechanisms responsible for a phenomenon or a set of facts
naturalized conditionsan estimate of natural conditions obtained by attempting to remove effects of human activities from a set of measured conditions.
phreatophyteA plant that habitually obtains its water supply from the zone of saturation, either directly or through the capillary fringe.
frontThe transition zone between two different air masses.
particulate matterParticles of dust, soot, salt, sulfate compounds, pollen, or other particles suspended in the atmosphere.
continental riseThick layers of sediment found between the continental slope the ocean floor.
property protectionMeasures that are undertaken usually by property owners in order to prevent, or reduce flood damage
dry lineA boundary separating moist and dry air masses, and an important factor in severe weather frequency in the Great Plains
soil conservation serviceThe former name of a branch of the United States Department of Agriculture, renamed the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
albedoThe percentage of light reflected by an object when it is illuminated.
septic tanka tank used to detain domestic wastes to allow the settling of solids prior to distribution to a leach field for soil absorption
g-rigThree pontoons lashed together side by side
permeameterA laboratory instrument for determining permeability by measuring the discharge through a sample of the material when a known hydraulic head is applied.
beamThe width of a raft at its widest point.
chemical weatheringattack and dissolving of parent rock by exposure to rainwater, surface water, oxygen, and other gases in the atmosphere, and compounds secreted by organisms
imperiled speciesdeclining, rare, or uncommon species; species federally listed as threatened or endangered, or candidates for such; and species with limited distributions.
fungiGroup, at the kingdom level, in the classification of life
precipitationOXYGEN
macrointervebratean animal without a backbone, large enough to be seen without magnification and unable to pass through a 0.595 mm mesh.
channel leadAn elongated opening in the ice cover caused by a water current.
transpirationTranspiration is the process of water loss from plants through stomata
lavaMolten rock (magma) that extrudes through a volcano
laminar flowStreamline flow in which successive flow particles follow similar path lines and head loss varies with velocity to the first power.
electrostaticsThe charge build up that usually occurs because of electron imbalance at the surface of materials.
ecotoneBoundary zone between two unique community types.
fracture zoneAn area which has a great number of fractures.
transpirationthe process by which plants emit water through tiny pores in the underside of their leaves.
siltMineral particle with a size between 0.004 and 0.06 millimeters in diameter
small craft advisoryAn advisory issued for marine interests, especially for operators of small boats or other vessels
stage iii precipitation processingThe third level of precipitation processing, performed interactively at RFCs
public water usewater supplied from a public-water supply and used for such purposes as firefighting, street washing, and municipal parks and swimming pools.
preliminary damage assessmentA survey to determine the impact and magnitude of damage caused by the disaster and the resulting unmet needs of the public sector and community at large
ice twitchDownstream movement of a small section of an ice cover
dohDevelopment and Operations Hydrologist
nrcsNational Resources Conservation Service
portegeeRowing technique of moving a boat forward by pushing on the oars.
conveyance lossThe loss of water from a conduit due to leakage, seepage, evaporation, or evapo-transpiration.
tectonicsSee plate tectonics.
firelinea strip of land from which all brush and debris have been cleared to rob a wildfire of its fuel
seven-man raftA boat 6 1/2 by 12 feet that will accommodate three or four people
absorptionThe process in which incident radiant energy is retained by a substance
vegetative controlsnon-point source pollution control practices that utilize vegetative cover to reduce erosion and minimize loss of pollutants.
succulent vegetationGroup of plants that have the ability to survive in deserts and other dry climates by having no leaves
fteFull-Time Equivalent
miners' inchA rate of discharge through an orifice one inch square under a specific head.
hummocked iceIn hydrologic terms, ice piled haphazardly one piece over another to form an uneven surface.
concentratora collector that enhances solar energy by focusing it onto a smaller area through mirrored surfaces or lenses.
chlorine contact chamberthe part of a wastewater treatment plant where treated water is disinfected by chlorine.
keystone speciesSpecies that interacts with a large number of other species in a community
validationThe pre-funding verification that proposed or completed work projects meet statutory and regulatory compliance
talusAn accumulation of angular rock debris from rockfalls.
turbinea machine that uses fluids to turn a wheel or cylinder to create energy, usually electricity
freezing drizzleDrizzle, the drops of which freeze on impact with the ground or with objects at or near the ground.
projectA logical method of performing work required as a result of the declared event
hydrologic service areaHSA
windblown charge transferCharge transfer by the collision of windblown particles with each other or the surface.
morphometryThe measurement of shape
regulatory floodwaySome maps show an area where construction regulations require special provisions to account for this extra hazard
dormant volcanoa volcano that has not erupted for many years.
atmoradiographA device for measuring the frequency of occurrence of atmospherics whose intensity is greater than a predetermined level.
ultraviolet radiationElectromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 0.1 and 0.4 micrometers (µm).
circum-pacific beltA zone circling the edge of the Pacific Ocean basin where tectonic subduction causes the formation of volcanoes and trenches
mean sea levelThe heights of the sea surface midway between its average high and low water positions.
abutment seepageReservoir water that moves through seams or pores in the natural abutment material and exits as seepage.
volcanic cratera steep-walled depression at the top or on the flank of a volcanic cone, out of which the volcanic materials are ejected
evaporationthe change by which any substance is converted from a liquid state and carried of in vapor
isostatic depressionLarge scale sinking of the crust into the asthenosphere because of an increase in weight on the crustal surface
soil creepthe gradual downhill slide of weathered material; the slow, gradual movement of a hill's upper layers caused by the pull of gravity on loose stones, gravel, and soft topsoil
southern oscillationReversal of atmospheric circulation in tropical Pacific Ocean that triggers the development of an El Ni隳.
inundation mapA map delineating the area that would be inundated in the event of a dam failure.
electromagnetic radiationthe energy produced by an oscillating electrical (and magnetic) field, transmitted by photons
logarithmic scaleMeasurement scale based on logarithms
reflectionProcess of returning sound or light waves back to their source.
hypothermiaa condition characterized by a drop in core body temperature from the normal 98.6°F (37.3°C) to 95°F (35.3°C) or lower.
legumeAngiosperm plant species that is a member of the Fabaceae (Pea or Bean) family
frazil slushAn agglomerate of loosely packed frazil which floats or accumulates under the ice cover.
etaEta model (now known as the NAM model); one of the operational forecast models run at NCEP with forecast output out to 84 hours (3.5 days).
rock gardenA rapid thickly strewn with exposedor partially covered rocks that demand intricate maneuvering.
oar rubberPiece of thick rubber used to hold an oar to the thole pin.
veering windsWinds which shift in a clockwise direction with time at a given location (e.g., from southerly to westerly), or which change direction in a clockwise sense with height (e.g., southeasterly at the surface turning to southwesterly aloft)
nicheAdaptive role that a species has in a habitat
dapmThe Data Acquisition Program Manager.
initial moisture deficiencyThe quantity, usually expressed in depth of water in inches upon a unit area, by which the actual water content of a given soil zone (usually the root zone) in such area is less than the field capacity of such zone at the beginning of the rainy season
effective porosityThe ratio, usually expressed as a percentage, of the volume of water or other liquid which a given saturated volume of rock or soil will yield under any specified hydraulic condition, to the given volume of soil or rock.
conveyance losswater loss in pipes, channels, conduits, and ditches by leakage or evaporation.
calorie(cal) the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of water one degree Celsius at 50°C, or 4.1855 joules
proxy dataData that measures the cause and effect relationship between two variables indirectly.
solar concentratora solar collector that enhances solar energy by focusing it onto a smaller area through mirrored surfaces or lenses.
turning pointA temporary point whose elevation is determined by additions and subtractions of backsights and foresights respectively.
nitrogen saturationOver abundance of nitrogen in natural ecosystems because of human induced inputs related to agriculture and fossil fuel combustion.
cloudAn ensemble of water drops and/or ice particles in the atmosphere above the earth's surface.
pancake iceCircular flat pieces of ice with a raised rim; the shape and rim are due to repeated collisions.
detritusShed tissues, dead body parts, and waste products of organisms
rrResponse and Recovery; also FEMA’s Response and Recovery Directorate
landslidesthe falling of masses of earth or rock
geopotentialThe potential energy of a unit mass relative to sea level, numerically equal to the work that would be done in lifting the unit mass from sea level to the height at which the mass is located; commonly expressed in terms of dynamic height or geopotential height.
backfirea small fire set by firefighters in the path of an oncoming wildfire to burn up the fuel before the main fire arrives, thus blocking it.
rain footSlang for a horizontal bulging near the surface in a precipitation shaft, forming a foot-shaped prominence
upstreamToward the source of the flow, or located in the area from which the flow is coming.
specific heatIs the heat capacity of a unit mass of a substance or heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram (g) of a substance 1 degree Celsius.
coralSimple marine animals that live symbiotically with algae
hodThe Hydrologic Operations Division of the Office of Hydrology (OH).
anticycloneAn area of high atmospheric pressure which has a closed circulation that is anticyclonic (clockwise in northern hemisphere and counterclockwise in southern hemisphere).
progressive successionSuccession where the developing plant community becomes complex and contains more species and biomass over time.
msehpaModel State Emergency Health Powers Act
biological weatheringThe disintegration of rock and mineral due to the chemical and/or physical agents of an organism.
densityThe ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume it occupies
direct flood damageThe damage done to property, structures, goods, etc., by a flood as measured by the cost of replacement and repairs.
freezing rainRain which falls as liquid then freezes upon impact, resulting in a coating of ice on exposed objects.
convectionConvection involves the transfer of heat energy by means of vertical mass motions through a medium.
mollweide projectionMap projection system that tries to present more accurate representations of area
dipOne of the directional properties of a geologic structure such as a fold or a fault
manning's roughnessa coefficient in Manning's equation that accounts for energy loss due to the friction between the channel and the water
national priorities listEPA's list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites identified for possible long-term remedial action under Superfund
hairFast, extremely turbulent water covered with white, aerated foam.
active volcanoa volcano erupting or liable to erupt
tetrahedronSilicon atom joined by four oxygen atoms (SiO4)
sector platea starry-shaped snowflake.
ozoneA form of oxygen that has a weak chlorine odor
beginning of the breakupDate of definite breaking, movement, or melting of ice cover or significant rise of water level.
timeMeasurable period in which cause and effect occurs and systems function.
specific heatThe amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1 Celsius degree.
nssfcNational Severe Storms Forecast Center, in Kansas City MO; now known as SPC.
unconfined aquiferAquifer that is not restricted by impervious layers of rock.
flow-sensitive habitatshabitats that show hydraulic response to relatively small changes in streamflow
periodic tableTable that describes some of the chemical properties of the known elements.
erraticA large rock boulder that has been transported by glaciers away from its origin and deposited in a region of dissimilar rock.
hurricane local statementA public release prepared by local National Weather Service offices in or near a threatened area, giving specific details for its county/parish warning area, about (1) weather conditions, (2) evacuation decisions made by local officials, and (3) other precautions necessary to protect life and property.
mass movementthe downhill movement of rock and weathered material
palusSwamp
boulder gardenA rapid densely strewn with boulders that necessitate intricate maneuvering.
h5500 millibar level height (in a standard atmosphere this is near 5,500 meters (18,000 ft)
asciiAmerican Standard Code for Information Interchange
chlorine demandthe difference between the amount of chlorine added to water, sewage, or industrial wastes and the amount of residual chlorine remaining at the end of a specific contact period
cbodCarbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand.  A BOD test in which a nitrification inhibitor is added, so that only the carbonaceous oxygen demanding compounds are measured. 
water yeara division based on a general pattern of annual wet and dry periods rather than a calendar year
accuracy ratingA number of quantity defining a limit that errors will not exceed when a device is used under specified operating conditions
hurricane local statementA public release prepared by local National Weather Service offices in or near a threatened area giving specific details for its county/parish warning area on (1) weather conditions (2) evacuation decisions made by local officials (3) other precautions necessary to protect life and property.
polar axisIs a line drawn through the Earth around the planet rotates
composite volcanoVolcano created from alternate layers of flows and exploded rock
hydrologic modelA conceptual or physically-based procedure for numerically simulating a process or processes which occur in a watershed.
calorieThe amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water one Celsius degree (from 14.5 to 15.5 ·C).
free ground waterwater in interconnected pore spaces in the zone of saturation down to the first impervious barrier, moving under the control of the water table slope.
stem antennasAn acronym for Storable Tubular Extendible Member
watershedCatchment area of a drainage basin.
starA large and very massive, self-luminous celestial body of gas that illuminates via the radiation derived from its internal source of energy.
deductionInference in which the conclusion about particulars follows necessarily from general theory
radioisotope snow gageA snow water equivalent gage based on the absorption of gamma radiation by snow; this gage can measure up to 55 inches water equivalent with a 2 to 5 percent error.
background levelthe concentration of a substance in an environmental media (water or soil) that occurs naturally or is not the result of human activities.
slumpingthe slow and gradual slippage of all layers of soil so that the bottom of a hillside becomes level with the lowlands or even tipped upward
special considerationsFactors that must be addressed before federal grant money can be obligated to repair or restore damaged facilities
dewCondensation in the form of small water drops that forms on grass and other small objects near the ground when the temperature has fallen to the dew point, generally during the nighttime hours.
température du thermomètre secLa température du thermomètre sec est la valeur lue sur un thermomètre lorsque son réservoir est sec
spray irrigationan common irrigation method where water is shot from high-pressure sprayers onto crops
toxicity testthe means to determine the toxicity of a chemical or an effluent using living organisms
local floodingFlooding conditions over a relatively limited (localized) area.
hmgpHazard Mitigation Grant Program
birdGroup of warm blooded vertebrate animals whose body is covered with feathers.
boomA spar to which a sail's lower edge or "foot" is attached
cometa body in space that has a tail and follows an orbit around the sun.
rock fallwhen fragments break away from the face of a steep slope and fall
multiple useUse of bodies of water for more than one purpose, such as recreational purposes, fishing, and water supply.
genetic adaptationChanges in the genetic makeup of organisms of a species due to mutations that allow the species to reproduce and gain a competitive advantage under changed environmental conditions.
precipitable water(also known as PWAT or precipitable water vapour.) The total atmospheric water vapour contained in a vertical column of unit cross-sectional area extending between any two specified levels, commonly expressed in terms of the height to which that water substance would stand if completely condensed and collected in a vessel of the same unit cross section
radiationThe emission of energy from an object in the form of electromagnetic waves and photons.
eprithe Electric Power Research Institute, a research consortium of electric power companies in the United States.
sedimentary rockrock formed of sediment, and specifically: (1) sandstone and shale, formed of fragments of other rock transported from their sources and deposited in water; and (2) rocks formed by or from secretions of organisms, such as most limestone
aircomprising 0.93% of the total.
inches of runoffThe volume of water from runoff of a given depth over the entire drainage.
great depressionthe worst economic collapse in the history of the modern world
conflagrationwhen a fire burns a large area, sometimes an entire town
population crashSudden decline in the number of individuals found in a population because of a scarcity of environmental resources that are required for survival, growth, and reproduction.
absorptionThe process by which incident radiant energy is retained by a substance.
digesterin wastewater treatment, a unit in which anaerobic bacterial action is induced and accelerated in order to break down and stabilize organic matter removed from the treatment process.
cooling degree dayA cooling degree day is given for each degree that the daily mean temperature departs above the baseline of 75 degrees a given temperature It is used to estimate the energy requirements, and is an indication of fuel consumption for air conditioning or refrigeration
igneous rockrock made of solidified molten material that made its way from the interior of the planet to the surface.
sanitary sewersunderground pipes that carry off only domestic or industrial waste, not storm water.
suspended-sediment dischargethe quantity of suspended sediment passing a point in a stream over a specified period of time
visibilityThe greatest distance an observer can see and identify prominent objects.
trophic pyramidA graphic model describing the distribution of energy, biomass, or some other measurable quantity between the different trophic levels found in an ecosystem.
stream segmentRefers to the surface waters of an approved planning area exhibiting common hydrological, natural, physical, biological, or chemical processes
seed dispersalMovement of a plant seed away from the parent plant by a passive or active mechanism.
forceProcess that changes the state of rest or motion of a body.
regA rocky desert landscape
desalinationthe removal of salts from saline water to provide freshwater
fire fountaina jet of magma spouting from a narrow volcanic vent
surface firea fire with a visible flame that consumes plant material and debris on the forest floor.
pathogenMicroscopic parasite organism that causes disease in a host
sinusoidal equal-area projectionMap projection that represents areas in their true form on a two-dimensional map
frost creepSlow mass movement of soil downslope that is initiated by freeze-thaw action
cytoplasmAll of the protoplasm in a cell except for what is contained in the nucleus.
toe drainA drain which carries seepage away from the dam and can allow seepage quantities to be measured.
threesome raftThree rafts lashed together side by side
topographyThe configuration of a surface, including its relief and the position of its natural and man-made features.
geologic timeA span of millions or billions of years in the past.
ice bridgeA continuous ice cover of limited size extending from shore to shore like a bridge.
mesaA flat topped hill that rises sharply above the surrounding landscape
phytoplanktonSmall photosynthetic organisms, mostly algae and bacteria, found inhabiting aquatic ecosystems
equi-potential lineA line, in a field of flow, such that the total head is the same for all points on the line, and therefore the direction of flow is perpendicular to the line at all points.
tropical depressionAn organized group of thunderstorms often found over a tropical ocean that generates a cyclonic flow of between 37 and 63 kilometers per hour
meteoriteIt's a meteor that reaches the Earth's surface.
flocA cluster of frazil particles.
continental plateA rigid, independent segment of the lithosphere composed of mainly granite that floats on the viscous plastic asthenosphere and moves over the surface of the Earth
clinometerAn instrument used to measure angles of inclination
movementA term used in geography that deals with the migration, transport, communication, and interaction of natural and human-made phenomena across the spatial dimension.
evaporation rateThe quantity of water, expressed in terms of depth of liquid water, which is evaporated from a given surface per unit of time
noctilucent cloudsRarely seen clouds of tiny ice particles that form approximately 75 to 90 kilometers above the earth's surface
isoplethGeneral term for a line connecting points of equal value of some quantity
sewageThe waste and wastewater produced by residential and commercial sources and discharged into sewers.
public information officerA person appointed by a County Emergency Operations Center to be responsible for the formulating and coordinating of the dissemination of emergency public information with both the electronic and written media, ensuring that accurate information is being released to the general public
alkalinitythe measurement of constituents in a water supply which determine alkaline conditions
clastic sedimentary rockSedimentary rocks that are formed by the lithification of weathered rock debris that has been physically transported and deposited.
isentropic surfaceA two-dimensional surface containing points of equal potential temperature.
organGroup of cells and tissues that have a particular function for an organism.
secondary consumerOrganisms that occupy the third trophic level in the grazing food chain
sand sheetDeposit of sometimes stratified less well sorted sand that almost resemble dunes
magnetic fieldThe space influence by magnetic force
foreshockSmall earth tremors that occur seconds to weeks before a significant earthquake event.
groundwater lawthe common law doctrine of riparian rights and the doctrine of prior appropriation as applied to ground water.
ionosphereThe uppermost atmospheric shell characterized by a high ion density.
albedoThe portion of incoming radiation which is reflected by a surface.
seismic waves(pronounced SIZE-mic waves) vibrations that move outward from the focus of an earthquake, causing the ground to shake.
sulfur dioxideA gas produced from volcanic eruptions, ocean spray, organic decomposition and the burning of fossil fuels
eolianGeomorphic process involving wind
fissionable isotopeIsotope that can undergo nuclear fission when hit by a neutron at the right speed
haloGroups of optical phenomena, in the form of rings, arcs, pillars or bright spots, produced by the refraction or reflection of light by ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere.
kinetic energyThe energy within a body that is a result of its motion.
sand filtersdevices that remove suspended solids from a wastewater treatment plant effluent or water treatment plant product.
opisometerMechanical device for measuring non-linear distances on maps.
coronaColored rings about the moon or sun; due to diffraction of light by spherical cloud droplets.
potable waterwater of a quality suitable for drinking.
desalinationthe process of salt removal from sea or brackish water.
law of stream numberMorphometric relationship observed in the number of stream segments of a particular classification order in stream channel branching
mastThe vertical spar that holds up the sails.
high latitudesWith specific reference to zones of geomagnetic activity, "high latitudes" refers to 50º to 80º geomagnetic.
public information officerA person appointed by a County Emergency Operations Center to be responsible for the formulating and coordinating of the dissemination of emergency public information with both the electronic and written media, ensuring that accurate information is being released to the general public.
palsaA mound of peat that develops as the result of the formation of a number ice lenses beneath the ground surface
solventa substance that dissolves other substances, thus forming a solution
nitrogen dioxideA gas produced by bacterial action in the soil and by high temperature combustion
magnetosphereZone that surrounds the Earth that is influenced by the Earth's magnetic field.
bushopen forest land
climatologyThe study of climate and its controls and variability.
pulaskia combination ax and hoe that is used by firefighters to clear brush and create a fire line
calibrationThe process of using historical data to estimate parameters in a hydrologic forecast technique such as SACSMA, routings, and unit hydrographs.
ice pelletsFrozen raindrops that bounce on impact with the ground; also called sleet.
nitrificationThe biochemical oxidation of ammonium to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate
nsFEMA’s Office of National Security Affairs
parts per millionthe number of "parts" by weight of a substance per million parts of water
injection wellrefers to a well constructed for the purpose of injecting treated wastewater directly into the ground
mountain breezeLocal thermal circulation pattern found in areas of topographic relief
sleetprecipitation which is a mixture of rain and ice.
litterAccumulation of leaves, twigs and other forms of organic matter on the soil surface
feldsparA group of common aluminum silicate minerals that contains potassium, sodium, or calcium.
partial-duration flood seriesA list of all flood peaks that exceed a chosen base stage or discharge, regardless of the number of peaks occurring in a year
coagulationin water treatment, the use of chemicals to make suspended solids gather or group together into small flocs.
bedSedimentary structure that usually represents a layer of deposited sediment.
rockA compact and consolidated mass of mineral matter
isobathAn imaginary line on the earth's surface or a line on a map connecting all points which are the same vertical distance above the upper or lower surface of a water-bearing formation or aquifer.
imhoff conea clear, cone-shaped container used to measure the volume of settleable solids in a specific volume of water.
notificationTo inform appropriate individuals about an emergency condition so they can take appropriate action
fsnFEMA Switch Network
biogeochemicalKey chemical constituents essential to life
slab avalancheavalanche that begins when fracture lines develop in a snowpack and a large surface plate breaks away, then crumbles into blocks as it falls down a slope.
elevationThe measure of height with respect to a point on the earth's surface above mean sea level
radiationThe process by which energy is propagated through any medium by virtue of the wave motion of that medium
competitionInteraction where two or more organisms in the same space require the same resource (e.g., food, water, nesting space, and ground space) which is in limiting supply to the individuals seeking it
horizonOne of several lines or planes used as reference for observation and measurement relative to a given location on the surface of the earth
densityThe ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume it occupies.
cindera small piece of material thrown from a volcano during an eruption.
pillowThe layer of slack water that pads the upstream face of rooks andother obstructions
subatomic particlesExtremely small particles that make up the internal structure of atoms.
oxygen demandthe need for molecular oxygen to meet the needs of biological and chemical processes in water
mare's tailThe name given to thin, wispy cirrus clouds composed of ice crystals that appear as veil patches or strands, often resembling a horse's tail.
ftpA method of data transfer that can take place between Frame Relay Networks, and Workstations.
ionAn atom, molecule or compound that carries either a positive (cation) or negative (anion) electrical charge.
ionizersA device that charge the air creating ions that increases its conductivity.
oceanographyit is the abrupt change or jump of a variable at a line or surface.
insectRelatively small and simple animals that have a rigid external skeleton, three body sections, three pairs of legs, and antennae
river observing stationAn established location along a river designated for observing and measuring properties of the river.
composite volcanoa volcano with steep sides made of layers of lava and ash.
kilogramone thousand grams.
tropicsThe area between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn
clarificationthe clearing action that occurs during wastewater treatment when solids settle out
inflowentry of rainwater into a sewer system from sources other than infiltration, such as basement drains, manholes, storm drains, and street washing.
anti-degradation clausepart of federal and water quality requirements prohibiting deterioration where pollution levels are above the legal limit.
satelliteSTM
chloroplastOrganelle in a cell that contains chlorophyll and produces organic energy through photosynthesis.
randomProcess or event that occurs by chance.
meteor showerAn event when hundreds of meteors or shooting stars appear in the sky at a specific time.
disastera manifestation of an interaction between extreme physical or natural phenomena and a vulnerable human group that results in general disruption and destruction, loss of life and livelihood and injury (Tilling, Volcanic Hazards, fig
intrusive igneous rockA mass of igneous rock that forms when magma from the mantle migrates upward and cools and crystallizes near, but not at, the Earth's surface
shefparsA software decoder for SHEF Data.
tissueA group of similar cells that are organized into a structure with a specific purpose.
wattA unit of power or energy per unit time.
faultA fracture in rock caused by stress.
polygenetic landformLandform that shows the influence of two or more major geomorphic processes
enzymeAre types of proteins that are used to facilitate and regulate chemical reactions within cells.
radionuclidea radioactive particle, man-made or natural, with a distinct atomic weight number
calcificationA dry environment soil-forming process that results in the accumulation of calcium carbonate in surface soil layers.
red flag warningA warning issued when conditions are favorable for the rapid spread of wildfires.
mafic magmaMagma that is relative poor in silica but rich in calcium, magnesium, and iron content
basement rockVery old granite and metamorphic rocks found in continental crust
isobarLines on a map joining points of equal atmospheric pressure.
curtain drainA drain constructed at the upper end of the area to be drained, to intercept surface or ground water flowing toward the protected area from higher ground, and carry it away from the area
asthenosphereregion of the mantle below the lithosphere, composed of partially melted rock.
nautical mileA unit of length used in marine navigation that is equal to one minute of arc of a great circle on a sphere
generalist speciesSpecies that can survive and tolerate a broad range of environmental conditions.
scientific methodThe approach science uses to gain knowledge
belayTo wrap a line around a rock or tree so as to slow or stop Slippage
moisture contentthe amount of water lost from soil upon drying to a constant weight, expressed as the weight per unit of dry soil or as the volume of water per unit bulk volume of the soil.
transmitterThe radar equipment used for generating and amplifying a radio frequency (RF) carrier signal, modulating the carrier signal with intelligence, and feeding the modulated carrier to an antenna for radiation into space as electromagnetic waves
solutiona mixture of a solvent and a solute
airit is the difference between the dry bulb and the wet bulb readings.
elastic waveAn energy wave that causes elastic deformation in a material without its structure and shape being deformed.
air pollutionThe soiling of the atmosphere by contaminants to the point that may cause injury to health, property, plant, or animal life, or prevent the use and enjoyment of the outdoors.
return flowirrigation water that is applied to an area and which is not consumed in evaporation or transpiration and returns to a surface stream or aquifer.
reflectivityThe measure of the efficiency of a radar target in intercepting and returning Electro Magnetic Energy
altitudeA measure of height of an object, usually with reference to the earth's surface, or sea level.
belowDownriver from.
squall lineA band of thunderstorm development found ahead of a cold front.
lowland floodingInundation of low areas near the river, often rural, but may also occur in urban areas.
rotationThe spinning of a body, such as the earth, about its axis.
fire trianglethe combination of three elements required for any fire: fuel, oxygen, and heat.
freeze-thaw actionProcesses associated with daily and seasonal cycles of freezing and melting.
rtfResponse Task Forces
coriolis forceA force that deflects moving objects to one side because of the Earth’s rotation
*tornadoA violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from the base of a thunderstorm
ozoneMolecule made up of 3 oxygen atoms
heredityThe transmission of behavioral, physiological and morphological characteristics from parent to offspring.
in-situ oxidationtechnology that oxidizes contaminants dissolved in groundwater, converting them into insoluble compounds.
climate changeVariations in climate ranging from decades to geological time scales.
regosol soilSoil order (type) of the Canadian System of Soil Classification
ionosphereA region in the atmosphere above 50 kilometers from the surface where relatively large concentrations of ions and free electrons exist
poPurchase Officer
metasomatic metamorphismForm of metamorphism that causes the chemical replacement of elements in rock minerals when gases and liquids permeate into bedrock.
frosta covering of minute ice crystals on a cold surface.
chemical reactionReaction between chemicals where there is a change in the chemical composition of the elements or compounds concerned.
breakpoint chlorinationaddition of chlorine to the point where all organic matter and ammonia compounds have been destroyed and any additional chlorine becomes a free chlorine residual available for disinfection.
sublimationThe process of ice changing phase into vapor.
solar thermal electrictechnology for using the sun's energy to produce steam to run turbines that generate electricity.
muscoviteRock forming mineral of the mica group.
visibilityA measure of the opacity of the atmosphere, and therefore, the greatest distance one can see prominent objects with normal eyesight
insolationit is responsible for many complex photochemical reactions, such as fluorescence and the formation of ozone.
protistaGroup, at the kingdom level, in the classification of life
leachateSolution containing material leached from a soil.
environmentaggregate of external conditions that influence the life of an individual organism or population.
water quality-based toxics controlan integrated strategy used in NPDES permitting to assess and control the discharge of toxic pollutants to surface waters
cinder conea volcano made of lava fragments.
mass movementGeneral term that describes the downslope movement of sediment, soil, and rock material.
atmosphereEL
median particle sizevalue for which half the particles in a sample have a greater diameter and half a lesser diameter.
hurricane clipsA structural bracing device used on the installation of roofs which reinforce the joints of a house and give a stronger connection to wood-to-wood roofing trusses than just nails
ice pushCompression of an ice cover particularly at the front of a moving section of ice cover.
exogenicRefers to a system that is external to the Earth.
dendritesThin branch-like growth of ice on the water surface.
slope failureThe downslope movement of soil and sediment by processes of mass movement.
robinson projectionMap projection system that tries to present more accurate representations of area
hwvrHowever
free ground waterUnconfined ground water whose upper boundary is a free water table.
lfwsA generic term for any type of Local Flood Warning System.
evaporationThe process of changing a liquid (like water) to a vapor
wildfirea large, uncontrolled fire in grass, brush, or trees.
groundwater rechargeThe replenishment of groundwater with surface water.
pressure headEnergy contained by fluid because of its pressure, usually expressed in feet of fluid (foot pounds per pound).
optimumThe level of an abiotic factor or condition in the environment within the tolerance range at which a species or population can function most efficiently or with the greatest positive effect to its physiological or reproductive fitness.
montmorilloniteA type of clay that has a large capacity to shrink and expand with wetting and drying.
initial water deficiencyThe quantity, usually expressed in depth of water in inches upon a unit area, by which the actual water content of a given soil zone (usually the root zone) in such area is less than the field capacity of such zone at the beginning of the rainy season
precipitable waterThe total atmospheric water vapor contained in a vertical column of unit cross-sectional area extending between any two specified levels, commonly expressed in terms of the height to which that water substance would stand if completely condensed and collected in a vessel of the same unit cross-section
green river boatA raft 8 by 17 feet made by Rubber Fabricators that can accommodate five or six people.
food webA model describing the organisms found in a food chain
geneEach form produces a unique inheritable characteristic.
anaerobica life or process that occurs in, or is not destroyed by, the absence of oxygen.
shearIt’s just a variation in the wind speed and/or direction over a short distance.
hinge crackIn hydrologic terms, a crack caused by significant changes in water level.
bilgeThe lowest part of a boat's hull.
nsaNational Security Agency
vibrationa continuous shaking movement
loose-snow avalancheavalanche composed of loosely packed snow that begins at a single point and slides down a slope, fanning out in the shape of an inverted "V."
meander beltThe area between lines drawn tangential to the extreme limits of fully developed meanders.
precipitateSolidification of a previously dissolved substance from a solution.
falsificationFalsification is a procedure used in science to test the validity of a hypothesis or theory
unstable equilibriumIn an unstable equilibrium the system returns to a new equilibrium after disturbance.
arcticOf or relating to the area around the geographic North Pole, from 90° North to the Arctic Circle at approximately 66 1/2 North latitude.
pluga tower of hard rock left by a volcano
lindanea pesticide that causes adverse health effects when present in domestic water supplies and is toxic to freshwater fish and aquatic life.
nohrscThe National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center
divergenceThis is an area where winds/windfields diverge
meteorIt’s a shooting star
thicknessThe height difference between two atmospheric pressure levels and is related to the average temperature in the column.
nonpoint sourcesource of pollution in which wastes are not released at one specific, identifiable point but from a number of points that are spread out and difficult to identify and control
radar echoThe energy scattered back from a target and detected by the radar receiver
garGovernor’s Authorized Representative
pivotTurning the raft from a ferry angle to a bow-downstream Position
ngvd of 1929National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929
hsbThe Hydrologic Systems Branch in the Office of Hydrology (OH).
fire weather watchConditions are expected to become favorable for the rapid spread of wildfires.
rating tableA table of stage values and the corresponding discharge for a river gaging site.
pitted topographyLandscape characterized by numerous kettle holes on a glacial outwash plain.
savannahOpen tropical grassland with few trees.
metricA system of weights and measures based upon the meter and kilogram.
retrofittinginstalling modern pollution control devices at facilities without making major changes to the facility's design.
reverse osmosis(1) (Desalination) The process of removing salts from water using a membrane
icicleIce that forms in the shape of a narrow cone hanging point down
freezeA condition occurring over a widespread area when the surface air temperature remains below freezing for a sufficient time to damage certain agricultural crops.
gcFEMA’s Office of General Counsel
resourceAnything obtained from the environment to meet the needs of a species.
moisture equivalentThe ratio of (1) the weight of water which the soil, after saturation, will retain against a centrifugal force 1,000 times the force of gravity, to (2) the weight of the soil when dry
sidereal dayTime it takes to complete one Earth rotation relative to the position of a fixed star
vertical temperature profileA series of temperature measurements taken at various levels in the atmosphere that show the thermal structure of the atmosphere over a specific location
varianceA statistical measure of the dispersion of observation values in a data set
sedimentary rockRocks formed by the deposition, alteration and/or compression, and lithification of weathered rock debris, chemical precipitates, or organic sediments
stratiformHaving extensive horizontal development, as opposed to the more vertical development characteristic of convection
refractionThe process in which the direction of energy propagation is changed due to spatial variations in properties (e.g
volcanoan opening in Earth's surface through which gases, hot rocks, and ash are ejected from the heated inner portion of the planet.
macroburstA large downburst affecting an area more than 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles) across with damaging winds lasting from 5 to 20 minutes
andesmountain range extending more than 5,000 miles (8,045 kilometers) along the western coast of South America.
droughtA period of abnormally dry weather sufficiently long enough to cause serious effects on agriculture and other activities in the affected area.
spring tideTide that occurs every 14 to 15 days and coincides with the new and full moon
biotiteRock forming mineral of the mica group.
friction headThe decrease in total head caused by friction.
filtera device used to remove solids from a mixture or to separate materials
heating degree days(abbrev
thermodynamic equilibriumThis type of equilibrium describes a condition in a system where the distribution of mass and energy moves towards maximum entropy.
wave-cut notchA rock recess at the foot of a sea cliff where the energy of water waves is concentrated.
ohThe Office of Hydrology, located in Silver Springs, MD.
french drainAn underground passageway for water through the interstices among stones placed loosely in a trench.
half-lifeTime required for one half of the nuclei in a radioisotope to emit its radiation
organisation météorologique mondialeÉtant donné que les systèmes météorologiques et les conditions climatiques dépassent les frontières internationales, il est nécessaire que l'information météorologique puisse être échangée librement et gratuitement dans le monde entier
snowburnA burn of the skin, like a sunburn, but caused by the sun's rays reflected off the snow surface.
atmosphereA layer of gases surrounding a planet
hazardPhenomenon which can cause loss of life, injury, disease, economic loss, or environmental damage.
updraftTornadoes may develop from wall clouds attached to the rain-free base, or from the rain-free base itself - especially when the rain-free base is on the south or southwest side of the main precipitation area
afosAutomation of Field Operations and Services
detrital rockSedimentary rock that is composed of particles transported to their place of deposition by erosional processes
pry strokepaddling technique of moving a boat sideways away from the paddle
dissociationChemical process where a compound or molecule breaks up into simpler constituents.
hotshota specialized firefighter who ventures in to hazardous areas and spends long hours battling blazes.
ntspNational Plan for Telecommunications Support in Non-Wartime Emergencies
theta-e ridgeAn axis of relatively high values of theta-e
dust bowlthe popular name for the approximately 150,000 square-mile-area (400,000-square-kilometer-area) in the southern portion of the Great Plains region of the United States
assaya test for a specific chemical, microbe, or effect.
frontThe line that separates warm and cold fronts
radara system that locates distant objects by sending out radio waves and detecting them when they bounce back off the objects
standard atmosphereA standard atmosphere has been defined by the International Civil Aeronautical Organization (ICAO)
histosolsSoil order (type) of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Classification System
isolineLines on a map joining points of equal value.
ppcPrevention Preparedness Council
convectionThe transfer of energy by the movements of masses in a liquid or a gas
kirchoff's lawThis law suggests that good emitters of radiation are also good absorbers of radiation at specific electromagnetic radiation wavelength bands
weatherday to day variation in atmospheric conditions
force accountAn applicant's own labor forces and equipment
perched water tableThe water table of a relatively small ground-water body supported above the general ground water body.
solumPart of the soil that is capable of supporting life.
lipidIs an organic compound composed of carbon atoms that have two hydrogen atoms attached
two-ribbon flareIn solar-terrestrial terms, a flare that has developed as a pair of bright strands (ribbons) on both sides of the main inversion ("neutral") line of the magnetic field of the active region.
taxonomic classificationClassification of organisms based on structural and physiological connections between other species.
marineWith reference to ocean environments and processes.
fernA group of about 11,000 species of vascular seedless plants that belong to the division Pterophyta
volatile organic compounesa group of chemicals that react in the atmosphere with nitrogen oxides, heat and sunlight to form ozone; VOCs are referred to as hydrocarbons.
technology-based treatment requirementsNPDES permit requirements based on the application of pollution treatment or control technologies including BTP (best practicable technology), BCT (best conventional technology), BAT (best available technology economically achievable), and NSPS (new source performance standards).
hydrograph separationIn hydrologic terms, the process where the storm hydrograph is separated into baseflow components and surface runoff components.
biological oxidationdecomposition of complex organic materials by microorganisms
shrubA woody plant species that is smaller than a tree
artificial rechargean process where water is put back into ground-water storage from surface-water supplies such as irrigation, or induced infiltration from streams or wells.
vertical visibilityThe distance an observer can see vertically into an undefined ceiling, or the height corresponding to the top of a ceiling light projector beam, or the height at which a ceiling balloon disappears during the presence of an indefinite ceiling.
basicSubstance having a pH greater than 7.
radarAn electronic instrument, which determines the direction and distance of objects that, reflect radio energy back to the radar site
wetlandsland, such as a bog or marsh, that has wet and spongy soil
dalton’s lawA scientific law that states that the total pressure exerted by a mixture of gases is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of each constituent gas.
sunLuminous star around which the Earth and other planets revolve around
atmospheric windowsInfrared wavelength bands within which there is little or no absorption by the major greenhouse gases (e.g., H20, CO2, O3).
equilibriumA condition in which all acting influences are canceled by others, resulting in a stable, balanced, or unchanging system.
photosynthesisThe process whereby plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to manufacture their food and generate oxygen as a byproduct.
longitudeLongitude is a west-east measurement of position on the Earth
cumulus cloudA cloud in the shape of individual detached domes, with a flat base and a bulging upper portion resembling cauliflower.
casinga tubular structure intended to be watertight installed in the excavated or drilled hole to maintain the well opening and, along with cementing, to confine the ground waters to their zones of origin and prevent the entrance of surface pollutants.
hurricane watchissued as a warning sign to people while the hurricane is still at sea; intended to tell people of the hurricane risk and possibility of disaster
theorya belief explaining something, backed by certain facts
ground moraineA thick layer of till deposited by a melting glacier.
asteroida rocky chunk of matter in orbit around the sun.
control systemA system that is intelligently controlled by the activities of humans
diabatic processA process in a thermodynamic system in which there is a transfer of heat across the boundaries of the system.
big crunchCollapse of the Universe into its original form before the Big Bang
infrared radiationradiation with wavelengths greater than those of the visible light (at about 8000 Angstroms or 800 nanometers(nm)) but shorter than those of microwaves (at about 1,000,000 Angstroms or 800,000 nm)
species associationA particular grouping of species in an area.
medianStatistical measure of central tendency in a set of data
longitudeLes coordonnées de longitude données pour les stations climatologiques sont généralement celles du parc des instruments; cependant, avant le 1 avril 1986, pour les stations principales (aéroports), on indiquait normalement l'emplacement officiel de ces aéroports
mesoscaleSize scale referring to weather systems smaller than synoptic-scale systems but larger than storm-scale systems
cohesiona molecular attraction by which the particles of a body are united throughout the mass whether like or unlike
population densityNumber of individuals of a particular species found in a specified area.
scarA rock formation on the side of a mountain.
hvhave
clear-cuttingthe logging practice of harvesting all trees from vast forest tracts.
laminarSmooth, non-turbulent
galaxyAn assemblage of millions to hundreds of billions of stars.
roche moutonneeA feature of glacial erosion that resembles an asymmetrical rock mound
major floodingA general term including extensive inundation and property damage
hair hygrometerAn instrument designed to monitor relative humidity by measuring the changes in the length of human hair that accompany humidity variations.
mons pl. montesA standard IAU feature name, taken from the Latin mons meaning mountain.
hydrationA form of chemical weathering that involves the rigid attachment of H+ and OH- ions to the atoms and molecules of a mineral.
dendriticTerm used to describe the stream channel pattern that is completely random
gateNarrow, short passage between two obstacles.
conservationto protect from loss and waste
mycorrhizaeMutualistic association of a fungus with the root of higher plant
chelationChemical weathering process that involves the extraction or metallic cations from rocks and minerals by chelates.
electromagnetic radiationAlso called radiation, it is waves of energy propagated though space or through a material media.
fitnessA measure of the health of a species in terms of physiology and future reproductive success.
ahos-tAutomatic Hydrologic Observing System - Telephone
entropyEntropy is the measure of the disorder or randomness of energy and matter in a system.
temporalpertaining to time, such as temporal variation (variation over time).
extinct volcanovolcanoes no longer liable to erupt
modeStatistical measure of central tendency in a set of data
wave lengthThe least distance between particles moving in the same phase of oscillation of a wave
tropical disturbanceAn area of organized convection, originating in the tropics and occasionally the subtropics, that maintains its identity for 24 hours or more
subsidenceSinking (downward) motion in the atmosphere, usually over a broad area.
pangeaThe primeval continental mass
chemicalOne of the millions of different elements and compounds found naturally and synthesized by humans.
earthflowwhen the wet ground breaks up and falls down a mountainside, making a rounded, tongue-like shape; usually occurs on clay, silt, or sand; the slowest, driest flow of weathered material down a hillside
unit hydrograph durationThe time over which one inch of surface runoff is distributed for unit hydrograph theory.
freezingThe change in state of matter from liquid to solid that occurs with cooling
continental glacierLargest type of glacier with a surface coverage in the order of 5 million square kilometers.
chromosomeOrganic structure that carries an organism's genetic code (DNA).
diversitySee Species Diversity.
richter scalethe scale developed by American seismologist Charles Richter that describes the amount of energy released by an earthquake on a scale from 1 to 10
polar frontTransition zone between cold polar easterlies and mild midlatitude westerlies.
banned woodsan area of woodland in an avalanche zone, which cannot be cut or disturbed because it is a natural barrier to avalanches
jiiseJoint Interagency Intelligence Support Element
cloudA group of suspended water and/or ice particles in the air.
hygroscopic waterWater held within 0.0002 millimeters of the surface of a soil particle
topographic profileA two-dimensional diagram that describes the landscape in vertical cross-section.
swedish vikingA scientific satellite launched in February 1986
ensemble hydrologic forecastingA process whereby a continuous hydrologic model is successively executed several times for the same forecast period by use of varied data input scenarios, or a perturbation of a key variable state for each model run
taxonA classification category for a group of organisms.
identification de tcL'identificateur de Transports Canada est l'indicatif attribué par Transports Canada pour identifier les rapports mátéorologiques provenant des stations localisés aux aéroports et transmis en temps réel dans des formats d'aviation.
stratosphereAtmospheric layer found at an average altitude of 11 to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface
nitrogen cycleProduct of organic matter decomposition
itsFEMA’s Information Technology Services Directorate
boulderLarge fragment of rock that has a diameter greater than 256 millimeters (200 millimeters in the United Kingdom).
wastewaterwater that has been used in homes, industries, and businesses that is not for reuse unless it is treated.
greenhouse effectThe overall warming of the earth's lower atmosphere primarily due to carbon dioxide and water vapor which permit the sun's rays to heat the earth, but then restrict some heat-energy from escaping back into space.
thermoelectric power water usewater used in the process of the generation of thermoelectric power
stefan-boltzmann lawA fundamental radiation law a that states that the total energy emitted by a blackbody is proportional to the fourth power of its temperature.
effluentwater that flows from a sewage treatment plant after it has been treated.
cumulonimbusA cumulus type of deep vertical extent, often reaching in excess of 30000ft
greenhouse effectThe heating of the planet that results from the fact that the atmosphere absorbs and emits infrared radiation.
meridional flowA term used when describing the upper air pattern
rock cycleGeneral model describing the geomorphic and geologic processes involved in the creation, modification and recycling of rocks.
galloway positionBasic position for oar boats; the oarsman faces the bow, which is pointed downstream.
liquefactionTemporary transformation of a soil mass of soil or sediment into a fluid mass
hrHour
hydraulic radiusThe right cross-sectional area of a stream of water divided by the length of that part of its periphery in contact with its containing conduit; the ratio of area to wetted perimeter
synopticPertaining to an overall view.
caveA natural cavity or recess that is roughly positioned horizontally to the surface of the Earth.
particle sizethe diameter, in millimeters, of suspended sediment or bed material
volatilizationThe process where a solid or liquid substance is converted into a gas.
stable equilibriumIn a stable equilibrium the system displays tendencies to return to the same equilibrium after disturbance.
magma chambera cavity beneath a volcano where magma collects
trophic structurethe feeding relationships among species within a food web.
convectionoriginating in the tropics and occasionally the subtropics, that maintains its identity for 24 hours or more
longshore transportThe transport of sediment in water parallel to a shoreline.
recession constantConstant used to reduce the API value daily in the API method of estimating runoff.
ozoneA nearly colorless gas and a form of oxygen (O2)
quicksanda mass of loose, wet sand that becomes fluid when suddenly vibrated; heavy objects will sink into it
radiosondea balloon carrying instruments for measuring conditions in the upper atmosphere
isothermline that connects points of equal temperature.
mass extinctionA catastrophic, widespread perturbation where major groups of species become extinct in a relatively short time compared to normal background extinctions.
sinkingcontrolling oil spills by using an agent to trap the oil and sink it to the bottom of the body of water where the agent and the oil are biodegraded.
hinge crackCrack caused by significant changes in water level.
thermopilea set of thermocouple junctions connected in series in order to boost the voltage to a meaningful amount (usually measured in millivolts)
climateWeather of some locality averaged over some time period plus extremes in weather behavior observed during the same period or during the entire period of record.
rainbowAn arc of concentric colored bands that spans a section of the sky when rain is present and the sun is positioned at the observer's back.
reverse ferryA rowing technique whereby the oarsman rows diagonally downstream for a short distance so as to power stern first into an eddy
newtonThe unit of force giving a mass of about one kilogram (2.205 pounds) an acceleration of about one meter (1 yard) per second per second.
gravitational pullthe force that draws all bodies in the universe toward one another
smokerAn extremely violent rapid; hair.
air densityThe ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume it occupies
longitudeThe location east or west in reference to the Prime Meridian, which is designated as zero (0) degrees longitude
sundogsAlso called parhelion
three-hour rainfall rateThis WSR-88D Radar product displays precipitation total (in inches) of the current and past two clock hours as a graphical image
mmrsMetropolitan Medical Response System
carbon adsorptiona treatment system that removes contaminants from ground water or surface water by forcing it through tanks containing activated carbon treated to attract the contaminants.
retrogressive successionSuccession where the plant community becomes simplistic and contains fewer species and less biomass over time.
souse holeA hole found below an underwater obstruction, such as a boulder
specific heatThe amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance one degree Celsius.
bacteriaSimple single celled prokaryotic organisms
pumicevolcanic rock formed during the explosive eruption of magma; it has numerous gas bubbles and floats on water.
water columnan imaginary column extending through a water body from its floor to its surface
deep wellA well whose pumping head is too great to permit use of a suction pump.
habitatLocation where a plant or animal lives.
demandthe number of units of something that will be purchased at various prices at a point in time
universal time coordinateOne of several names for the twenty-four hour time that is used throughout the scientific and military communities
watershedThe area of land where all of the water that is under it or drains off of it goes into the same place (Source: Environmental Protection Agency).
moleculeMinute particle that consists of connected atoms of one or many elements.
coevolutionThe coordinated evolution of two or more species that interact and exert selective pressures on each other that can cause each species to undergo associated adaptations
deuteriumIsotope of hydrogen, with a nucleus containing one proton and one neutron, and an atomic mass number of 2.
sfipStandard Flood Insurance Policy
sleetA type of precipitation consisting of transparent pellets of ice 5 millimeters or less in diameter
fenFlat, low-lying, marshy ground.
indicator parametersmeasurable physical or chemical characteristics or attributes of water or soil-pore moisture used to indicate the possible presence of waste constituents, or the effects of waste constituents on waters.
proteinOrganic substances primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and some other minor elements which are arranged in about 20 different compounds known as amino acids
dispersalAn organism leaving its place or birth or activity for another location.
percolation(1) The movement of water through the openings in rock or soil
reference mapMap that shows natural and human-made objects from the geographical environment with an emphasis on location
patterned groundTerm used to describe a number of surface features found in periglacial environments
frictionResistance between the contact surfaces of two bodies in motion.
inversionwhich is marked by the unusually uniform height of the clouds
littoral zoneThe zone along a coastline that is between the high and low-water spring tide marks.
hrlThe Hydrological Research Laboratory at the Office of Hydrology (OH).
recycled waterwater that is used more than one time before it passes back into the natural hydrologic system.
wella bored, drilled, or driven shaft or a dug hole whose depth is greater than the largest surface dimension and whose purpose is to reach underground water supplies or oil or to store or bury fluids below ground.
conventional radarinstrument that detects the location, movement, and intensity of precipitation, and gives indications about the type of precipitation
dissolved solidsinorganic material contained in water or wastes
endogenicRefers to a system that is internal to the Earth.
primary consumerOrganisms that occupy the second trophic level in the grazing food chain
sunspotsdark, relatively cool areas on the surface of the sun
geographic isolationSee spatial isolation.
mesoscaleThe scale of meteorological phenomena that range in size from several kilometers to around 100 kilometers
karst sceneryAn uneven fissured landscape formed by underground drainage and caves.
isotopic datingDating technique used to determine the age of rock and mineral through the decay of radioactive elements.
jfoJoint Field Office
chaffSmall strips of metal foil, usually dropped in large quantities from aircraft or balloons
b horizonThis layer is characterized by the following two features:
reclaimed waterdomestic wastewater that is under the direct control of a treatment plant owner/operator which has been treated to a quality suitable for a beneficial use.
subsistence flowsthe component of an instream flow regime that represents infrequent, naturally occurring low flow events that occur for a seasonal period of time
differential motionCloud motion that appears to differ relative to other nearby cloud elements, e.g
smpdbkThe Simplified Dam Break (DAMBRK) Model.
federal snow samplerA snow sampler consisting of five or more sections of sampling tubes, one which has a steel cutter on the end
eddy cushionThe layer of slack or billowing water that pads the upstream face of rocks and other obstructions
tornado watchIt’s issued when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes.
aerationthe mixing or turbulent exposure of water to air and oxygen to dissipate volatile contaminants and other pollutants into the air.
travel timeThe time required for a flood wave to travel from one location to a subsequent location downstream.
300/500mb heightUpper air patterns are analysed and forecast at these heights.  Wind and height fields at these heights, around 30000ft and 20000ft respectively, are used to establish weather patterns at the surface
carbohydrateIs an organic compound composed of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms
dmtfDebris Management Task Force
radar reflectivityThe sum of all backscattering cross-sections (e.g., precipitation particles) in a pulse resolution volume divided by that volume
nondegradationan environmental policy that does not allow any lowering of naturally occurring water quality regardless of pre-established health standards.
heatHeat is defined as energy in the process of being transferred from one object to another because of the temperature difference between them
plate tectonicsA theory that the Earth's surface is made up of large plates that are continuously moving and that interactions among the plates at their borders cause most major geologic activity
milligrams per litera unit of the concentration of a constituent in water or wastewater
liquefaction(pronounced li-quh-FAC-shun) the transformation of water-saturated soil into a liquidlike mass, usually by the action of seismic waves.
elementA molecule composed of one type of atom
wind ripplesWind ripples are miniature sand dunes between 5 centimeters and 2 meters in length and 0.1 to 5 centimeters in height
communityRefers to all the populations of interacting species found in a specific area or region at a certain time.
nitrogena plant nutrient that can cause an overabundance of bacteria and algae when high amounts are present, leading to a depletion of oxygen and fish kills
moveable bed streamsThese are most common in the arid West, where steep slopes and lack of vegetation result in a lot of erosion
hvyHeavy
oceanembracing and integrating all knowledge pertaining to the ocean's physical boundaries, the chemistry and physics of sea water, and marine biology.
ground receive sitesA satellite dish and associated computer which receives signals from the GOES satellite, decodes the information, and transmits it to a another site for further processing
upper mantleLayer of the Earth's interior extending from the base of the crust to 670 kilometers below the surface
rope thwartsIn paddle rafts, taut ropes or straps running crossways from tube to tube and often positioned just forward of cross tubes
coalescencethe process by which an ice crystal grows larger
ground water hydrologyThe branch of hydrology that specializes in ground water; its occurrence and movements; its replenishment and depletion; the properties of rocks that control ground water movement and storage; and the methods of investigation and utilization of ground water.
solar windMass of ionized gas emitted to space by the Sun
ambient background concentrationa representative concentration of the water quality in a receiving water body, determined from monitoring
deltaAn alluvial deposit, often in the shape of the Greek letter "delta", which is formed where a stream drops its debris load on entering a body of quieter water.
channel routingThe process of determining progressively timing and shape of the flood wave at successive points along a river.
zoned embankment damAn embankment dam which is comprised of zones of selected materials having different degrees of porosity, permeability and density.
stream segmentrefers to the surface waters of an approved planning area exhibiting common biological, chemical, hydrological, natural, and physical characteristics and processes
hrshours
thermistorA resistor whose resistance changes with temperature
bajadaConsecutive series of alluvial fans forming along the edge of a linear mountain range
saturationAtmospheric condition where water is changing its phase to liquid or solid
pupPrinciple User Processor
eta"Eta" (from Greek) model generated every 12 hours by NCEP
cubic feet per secondA unit expressing rates of discharge
mass balanceThe relative balance between the input and output of material within a system.
gaia hypothesisThe Gaia hypothesis states that the temperature and composition of the Earth's surface are actively controlled by life on the planet
nocturnalRelated to nighttime, or occurring at night.
bodBiochemical Oxygen Demand
length of dayThe time of Actual Sunset minus the time of Actual Sunrise
richter scalethe system invented by Dr
landslideTerm used to describe the downslope movement of soil, rock, and other weathered materials because of gravity.
fractureAny break or rupture formed in an ice cover or floe due to deformation.
lianaSpecies of plant that uses the support of wood plants to elevate its leaves above the forest canopy.
trajectoryThe curve that a body, such as a celestial object, describes in space
equilibrium drawdownThe ultimate, constant drawdown for a steady rate of pumped discharge.
graniteMedium to coarse grained igneous rock that is rich in quartz and potassium feldspar
hung upSaid of a raft that is caught on but not wrapped around a rock or other obstacle.
helmThe steering station of a yacht; the tiller or wheel by which the rudder is controlled.
workThe distance traveled by an object multiplied by the force applied to it in that direction.
pressureThe force per unit area exerted by the weight of the atmosphere above a point on or above the earth’s surface
convergenceA contraction of a vector field, usually said of winds; the opposite of divergence
tuberculationdevelopment or formation of small mounds of corrosion products on the inside of iron pipe
dendritea starry-shaped snowflake that has accumulated moisture and developed feathery branches on its arms
equilibrium surface dischargeThe steady rate of surface discharge which results from a long-continued, steady rate of net rainfall, with discharge rate equal to net rainfall rate.
divergent evolutionCreation of two or more unique species from one ancestral species through the differential evolution of isolated populations.
planitiaAn IAU geographical feature name meaning “low plain.”
gradientThe steepness of a slope as measured in degrees, percentage, or as a distance ratio (rise/run).
coalescenceProcess where two or more falling raindrops join together into a single larger drop because of a midair collision.
meanA value computed by dividing the sum of a set of terms by the number of terms.
freezing rainRain that falls as liquid and freezes upon impact to form a coating of glaze on the colder ground or other exposed surfaces
kelvinGas Laws
evacuation timeThe lead time that a populated coastal area must have to safely relocate all residents of vulnerable areas from an approaching hurricane
screeAn accumulation of weathered rock fragments at the base of a steep rock slope or cliff.
ecosystemAn ecosystem is a system where populations of species group together into communities and interact with each other and the abiotic environment.
codChemical Oxygen Demand.  A measure of the oxygen equivalent of the organic matter content of a sample that is susceptible to oxidation by a strong chemical oxidation.  Differs from the BOD test in that COD uses oxygen derived from chemicals, while BOD uses oxygen derived from air dissolved in water. 
paleoclimateClimatic conditions in the geological past reconstructed from a direct or indirect data source.
synoptic trackWeather reconnaissance mission flown to provide vital meteorological information in data sparse ocean areas as a supplement to existing surface, radar, and satellite data
doppler effectA shift in the frequency of an electromagnetic or sound wave due to the relative movement of the source or the observer.
silicateGroup of minerals that have crystal structures based on a silica tetrahedron (SiO4).
virgaPrecipitation falling from the base of a cloud and evaporating before it reaches the ground.
hydraulic grade lineA line whose plotted ordinate position represents the sum of pressure head plus elevation head for the various positions along a given fluid flow path, such as along a pipeline or a ground water streamline
extinctionDisappearance of a species from all or part of their geographic range
steam eruptiona violent eruption that occurs when water comes in contact with magma, rapidly turns to steam, and causes the mixture to explode.
sunspotsRelatively cooler areas on the sun's surfaces
adfreezingThe process by which one object becomes adhered to another by the binding action of ice.
nephelometric turbidity unitunit of measure for the turbidity of water
six-man raftA boat 5% by 12 feet that will accommodate one to three people.The cheaper varieties, if used at all,should be fitted with frame and 5-foot oars and should carry only one person.
radiometerAn instrument that measures radiation power.
secondary wastewater treatmenttreatment (following primary wastewater treatment) involving the biological process of reducing suspended, colloidal, and dissolved organic matter in effluent from primary treatment systems and which generally removes 80 to 95 percent of the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and suspended matter
base widthThe time duration of a unit hydrograph.
newtonA unit of force that creates an acceleration on a mass of 1 kilogram equal to 1 meter per second with no friction and under the conditions of a vacuum.
black blizzarda popular term for a dust storm
fluxthe rate at which a substance flows
nonsymbiotic mutualismMutualistic interaction where the mutualists live independent lives yet cannot survive without each other
corn snow iceRotten granular ice.
virgaStreaks or wisps of precipitation falling from a cloud but evaporating before reaching the ground.
vorticityThis is basically a measure of how much a column of air is spinning.  Depending on direction of spin and speed of spin, a variety of surface conditions can be surmised, such as the development of low or high pressure at the surface.
milligramOne-thousandth of a gram.
forward velocityThe speed at which a hurricane moves along its path
forminiferaMicroscopic organisms of the group protozoa that are found living mainly in marine environments
sedimentationa large scale water treatment process where heavy solids settle out to the bottom of the treatment tank after flocculation.
r&rResource and Recovery
gravity damA concrete structure proportioned so that its own weight provides the major resistance to the forces exerted on it.
minor floodingA general term indicating minimal or no property damage but possibly some public inconvenience.
funnel cloudA rotating funnel extending from the base of a severe thunerstorm, associated with a rotating column of air that is NOT in contact with the ground at the moment.  When the column is in contact with the ground and the cloud, then it is a tornado.  Until that moment, the terms funnel cloud and tornado are NOT interchangeable.
rrisRapid Response Information System
flat-plate collectora solar power collector that absorbs the Sun's energy on a flat surface without concentrating or refocusing it.
profileA graph showing variation of elevation with distance along a traverse.
mantleLayer of the Earth's interior composed of mostly solid rock that extends from the base of crust to a depth of about 2,900 kilometers.
percolation deepIn irrigation or farming practice, the amount of water that passes below the root zone of the crop or vegetation.
hyphaeThread like structures found on a fungus.
ground water outflowThat part of the discharge from a drainage basin that occurs through the ground water
green flashA brilliant green coloration of the upper edge of the sun, occasionally seen as the sun's apparent disk is about to set below a clear horizon.
sensorA device that detects a physical quantity.
ground water divideA line on a water table where on either side of which the water table slopes downward
tailings pondAn excavated or diked area that is intended to contain liquid and solid wastes from mining and milling operations.
firestormhuge fires caused by enormous numbers of separate fires all burning together
dynamic equilibriumA dynamic equilibrium occurs when a system displays unrepeated average states through time.
wattA metric unit of measurement of the intensity of radiation in Watts over a square meter surface (W/m2 or W m-2).
axisAn imaginary line through the middle of something.
savannaA tropical or sub-tropical plant community characterized by trees and shrubs scattered among a cover of grasses, herbs and forbs
lomr-fLetter of Map Revision Based on Fill
parametric dataData such as rating curves, unit hydrographs, and rainfall/runoff curves which define hydrologic variables in models.
pancakingIn a threesome raft, when the howboat flips back onto the middle boat.
heavy freezing spray watchA watch for an increased risk of a heavy freezing spray event to meet Heavy Freezing Spray Warning criteria but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain.
gpsGlobal Positioning System
épaisseur de neigeL'épaisseur de neige est l'épaisseur de la neige accumulée sur le sol, mesurée en plusieurs points jugés représentatifs du voisinage immédiat, puis moyennée.
flood plain information studiesReports usually prepared by the U.S
chaparralA type of plant community common to areas of the world that have a Mediterranean climate (for example, California and Italy)
synclineA downward fold in the crustal rocks, See anticline.
discharge curveA curve that expresses the relation between the discharge of a stream or open conduit at a given location and the stage or elevation of the liquid surface at or near that location
interceptor sewervery large sewer lines that collect the flow from main and trunk lines and carry them to treatment plants.
inversionA layer in the atmosphere where the temperature increases with height.
refractionthe bending of electromagnetic radiation by its passage through a medium of a high refractive index
dust devilA strong and long-lived whirlwind that ranges from a half of a meter wide and a few meters tall to more than 10 meters wide and more than 1,000 meters tall
north poleSurface location defined by the intersection of the polar axis with Earth's surface in the Northern Hemisphere
sinkholea depression in the Earth's surface caused by dissolving of underlying limestone, salt, or gypsum
alkalinesometimes water or soils contain an amount of alkali (strongly basic) substances sufficient to raise the pH value above 7.0 and be harmful to the growth of crops.
dioriteA coarse grained igneous rock of intrusive origin that is darker and chemically more mafic than granite.
parasitismBiological interaction between species where a parasite species feeds on a host species.
electromagnetic spectrumSee spectrum.
subduction zonesareas where the crustal layer descends into the mantle
conglomerateCoarse grained sedimentary rock composed of rounded rock fragments cemented in a mixture of clay and silt.
drip irrigationa common irrigation method where pipes or tubes filled with water slowly drip onto crops
inversionan increase in temperature with height, a reverse of the normal cooling with height
electronA sub-particle of an atom that contains a negative atomic charge.
breakaway zonethe area where an avalanche is most likely to start or break away
mammalGroup of warm blooded vertebrate animals
matterIs the material (atoms and molecules) that constructs things on the Earth and in the Universe.
food chainMovement of energy through the trophic levels of organisms
faulta crack in a layer of rock, usually caused by an earthquake or other movement in a rock layer; great splits between masses of rock at the earth's surface
perigeeThe point nearest the earth on the moon's orbit
nautical mileFEEDER BANDS
cellA cell is the smallest self-functioning unit found in living organisms
climographTwo dimensional graph that plots a location's air temperature and precipitation on times scales that range from a 24 hour period to a year.
return flow(1) That part of a diverted flow that is not consumptively used and returned to its original source or another body of water
glacierA slow moving mass of ice that is replenished at its source.
drainage basinA part of the surface of the earth that is occupied by a drainage system, which consists of a surface stream or a body of impounded surface water together with all tributary surface streams and bodies of impounded surface water.
tongueThe smooth "v" of fast water found at the head of rapids.
fire linea strip of ground, cleared of all combustible material, that is dug by firefighters to stop the advance of a wildfire (also called control line).
tube settlerdevice using bundles of tubes to let solids in water settle to the bottom for removal by conventional sludge collection means
divergenceThe expansion or spreading out of a vector field; usually said of horizontal winds
buttress damButtress dams are comprised of reinforced masonry or stonework built against concrete
rwaReimbursable Work Authorization
newton's laws of motionThree fundamental postulates describing the basis of the mechanics of rigid bodies
neutral solutionAny water solution that is neutral (pH approximately 7) or has an equal quantity of hydrogen ions (H+) than hydroxide ions (OH-)
atmosphereA thin envelope of gasses (also containing suspended solid and liquid particles and clouds) that encircles the globe.
convectionAtmospheric motions in the vertical direction resulting from surface heating and the subsequent rising of warm air
steady state equilibriumIn this type of equilibrium the average condition of the system remains unchanged over time.
heatA form of energy transferred between systems because of the temperature differences between them.
radiationin the context of the RReDC, synonymous with electromagnetic radiation, or the energy produced by an oscillating electrical (and magnetic) field, transmitted by photons
international date lineA line drawn almost parallel to the 180 degree longitude meridian that marks the location where each day officially begins
millibarA unit of atmospheric pressure
optical depth(technically known as the relative aerosol optical depth) usually considered to be synonymous with the airmass, is the approximate number of aerosols in a path through the atmosphere relative to the standard number of aerosols in a vertical path through a clean, dry atmosphere at sea level.
toxic hot spotlocation in enclosed bay, estuary, or any adjacent waters that has toxic pollution problems in the water or sediment in excess of applicable standards.
leachingProcess in which water removes and transports soil humus and inorganic nutrients in solution.
cumulusA cloud in the form of individual, detached domes or towers that are usually dense and well defined.
conductionThe transfer of energy (electrical, heat) within and through a conductor by means of internal particle or molecular activity.
trendgives very accurate meteorological information at a specific airport and is indispensable for landing of aircraft within the next 2 hours
artesian basinA source of fresh water formed where an aquifer is trapped between two layers of impervious rock.
subduction zonea region where two plates come together and the edge of one plate slides beneath the other.
celluloseA type of carbohydrate
prevailingMost frequent.
synclineA fold in rock layers that forms a trough-like bend.
zuluEquivalent to UTC or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
minimumThe least value attained by a function, for example, temperature, pressure, or wind speed
snow pillowAn instrument used to measure snow water equivalents
atollIsland surrounded by a coral reef.
suspended-sediment concentrationthe ratio of the mass of dry sediment in a water-sediment mixture to the mass of the water-sediment mixture
cloudA visible collection of minute particle matter, such as water droplets and/or ice crystals, in the air
biotic potentialMaximum rate that a population of a given species can increase in size (number of individuals) when there are no limits on growth rate.
acidicthe condition of water or soil that contains a sufficient amount of acid substances to lower the pH below 7.0.
sinkholeA limestone hole into which a stream disappears.
temperatureThe measurement of how hot or cold something is.
peridotiteCoarse grained ultramafic igneous rock composed mainly of olivine and pyroxene
systemA system is a set of interrelated components working together towards some kind of process.
solar systemThe collection of celestial bodies that orbit around the Sun.
polypedonAn identifiable soil with distinct characteristics found in a location or region
lake-effect snow watchVery Heavy lake-effect snowfall amounts of generally 6 inches (15 cm) in 12 hours or less or 8 inches (20 cm) in 24 hours or less are possible generally within 48 hours
toxicity reduction evaluationa study conducted to determine the source(s) of toxicity in a discharge effluent so that these sources can be controlled sufficiently to allow a discharger to comply with their permit limits.
pyramid of biomassGraphic model describing the distribution of biomass in an ecosystem or community at the trophic level
pump stationmechanical device installed in sewer or water system or other liquidcarrying pipelines to move the liquids to a higher level.
space exploration satelliteTechnically a space probe because it is sent deep into space and does not necessarily orbit anything
fermentationDecomposition and breakdown of organic matter by anaerobic means.
heatA form of energy transferred between two systems by virtue of a difference in temperature
tidal cycleThe periodic changes in the intensity of tides caused primarily by the varying relations between the earth, moon, and sun.
ncpNational Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan
wastewaterwater containing waste including greywater, blackwater or water contaminated by waste contact, including process-generated and contaminated rainfall runoff.
centripetal forceForce required to keep an object moving in a circular pattern around a center of rotation
geographical coordinate systemSystem that uses the measures of latitude and longitude to locate points on the spherical surface of the Earth.
gravityIs the process where any body of mass found in the universe attracts other bodies with a force proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the distance that separates them
coral bleachingSituation where coral lose their colorful symbiotic algae
distributional limitSpatial boundary that defines the edge of a species geographical range.
powerThe rate of change of energy over time, often expressed in watts.
dbzThe colors shown on the weather radar images represent the different echo intensities (reflectivity) measured in dBZ (decibels of Z) during each elevation scan
hydrostatic headA measure of pressure at a given point in a liquid in terms of the vertical height of a column of the same liquid which would produce the same pressure.
hague lineThe North Atlantic boundary between the U.S
grassType of plant that has long slender leaves that extend from a short stem or the soil surface.
lakean inland body of water, usually fresh water, formed by glaciers, river drainage etc
rangeA statistical measure of the dispersion of observation values in a data set
mitigationThe effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters
methaneMethane is very strong greenhouse gas found in the atmosphere
neap tideTide that occurs every 14 to 15 days and coincides with the first and last quarter of the moon
carbamatesa class of new-age pesticides that attack the nervous system of organisms.
interbasin transferthe physical transfer of water from one watershed to another; regulated by the Texas Water Code.
sensible heat fluxProcess where excess heat energy is transferred into the atmosphere
bearingA system that measures in reference to the cardinal points of a compass in 90 degree quadrants.
hummockIn hydrologic terms, a hillock of broken ice which has been forced upward by pressure
backdraftinside buildings, when the oxygen in a room is almost used up, the fire begins to die down from lack of the substance; the flames lower and the room fills with smoke; but if you open the door to the room at that time, the fire sucks oxygen in so hard that fire gases explode
inversionAn increase in temperature with height
chlorofluorocarbonsAn anthropogenic compound invented by chemists in 1928 considered to be a major contributor to the development of the stratospheric Ozone hole.
ofmFEMA’s Office of Financial Management
centripetal forceAn inward-directed force that confines an object to a curved path; the result of other forces.
mineralizationDecomposition of organic matter into its inorganic elemental components.
entisolsSoil order (type) of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Classification System
mixed liquora mixture of activated sludge and water containing organic matter undergoing treatment in an aeration tank.
photochemical smogPhotochemical smog is a condition that develops when primary pollutants (oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds created from fossil fuel combustion) interact under the influence of sunlight to produce a mixture of hundreds of different and hazardous chemicals known as secondary pollutants
magnitudethe size of an earthquake as measured on the Richter scale
ulyssesA NASA space probe that is studying the sun
windwardUpwind side or side directly influenced to the direction that the wind blows from
lagoona shallow pond where sunlight, bacterial action, and oxygen work to purify wastewater
ecoregiona geographic area over which the macroclimate is sufficiently uniform to permit development of similar ecosystems on sites with similar geophysical properties.
stoplogsLarge logs, timbers or steel beams placed on top of each other with their ends held in guides on each side of a channel or conduit providing a temporary closure versus a permanent bulkhead gate.
mesocycloneand indicates favorable conditions for tornado development.
overhangRadar term indicating a region of high reflectivity at middle and upper levels above an area of weak reflectivity at low levels
trendA tendency over a period of time.
radioactive decayNatural decay of the nucleus of an atom where alpha or beta particle and/or gamma rays are released at a fixed rate.
phylumA group or category used in the taxonomic and/or phylogenic classification of organisms
fire warningA fire is currently burning in the area and evacuation is recommended.
heliostata large flat mirror, usually on a tracker so that it can continuously reflect the sun's rays onto a central receiver
clayMineral particle with a size less than 0.004 millimeters in diameter
smogGeneric term used to describe mixtures of pollutants in the atmosphere
terrestrialOf or relating to the Earth.
uniformitarianismIs a theory that rejects the idea that catastrophic forces were responsible for the current conditions on the Earth
detergentsynthetic washing agent that helps remove dirt and oil
solar eclipseAn eclipse of the sun occurs when the moon is in a direct line between the sun and the earth, casting some of the earth's surface in its shadow
bulkheadA structure or partition built to retain or prevent sliding of the land.
navier-stokes equationsa set of equations that describe the physics governing the motion of a fluid
mercury barometerType of barometer that measures changes in atmospheric pressure by the height of a column of mercury in a U-shaped tube which has one end sealed and the other end immersed in an open container of mercury
hoar frostDeposits of ice having a crystalline appearance, generally assuming the forms of scales, needles, feathers or fans
south poleSurface location defined by the intersection of the polar axis with Earth's surface in the Southern Hemisphere
graphical modelA compilation or display of data in a form (e.g., a map) that can be readily useful.
subduction zoneAn area where two plates come together and one slides under another
feedback loopProcess where the output of a system causes positive or negative changes to some measured component of the system.
irrigationthe controlled application of water for agricultural purposes through manmade systems to supply water requirements not satisfied by rainfall
improved propertyA structure, facility or item of equipment that was built, constructed or manufactured
hz1) Haze- An aggregation in the atmosphere of very fine, widely dispersed, solid or liquid particles, or both, giving the air an opalescent appearance that subdues colors
facilitation model of successionThis model of succession suggests that the change in plant species dominance over time is caused by modifications in the abiotic environment that are imposed by the developing community
hydraulic grade lineIn hydrologic terms, a line whose plotted ordinate position represents the sum of pressure head plus elevation head for the various positions along a given fluid flow path, such as along a pipeline or a ground water streamline.
infernoa huge, roaring fire
operable unita term used by the Superfund program to describe a discrete action that comprises an incremental step toward comprehensively addressing site problems
storm sewera sewer that carries only surface runoff, street wash, and snow melt from the land
drainage areaAn area having a common outlet for its surface runoff (also see Watershed and Catchment Area).
carbonateCompound consisting of a single atom of carbon and three atoms of oxygen
inversely proportionalCause and effect relationship between two variables where a positive or negative change in the quantity of one causes a predictable opposite change in quantity in the other.
dewSmall droplets of water found on surfaces, formed when temperatures on these surfaces reaches the dew point.
thermal gradienttemperature difference between two areas.
reclaimed wastewatertreated wastewater that can be used for beneficial purposes, such as irrigating certain plants.
pontoonAn inflatable boat 22 feet long or larger
density of snowThe ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the volume which a given quantity of snow would occupy if it were reduced to water, to the volume of the snow
velocityThe speed of movement of an object in one direction.
back pivotTurning the raft from a ferry angle to a stem-downstream position
solutea substance that is dissolved in another substance, thus forming a solution.
discharge permita permit issued by a state or the federal government to discharge effluent into waters of the state or the United States
rayleigh scatteringCaused by spherical particles whose diameter is much smaller than the wavelength of scattered radiation; responsible for the blue of the daytime sky.
cartographyField of knowledge that studies map construction
threatened speciesUnder the Federal Endangered Species Act, animal populations may be determined to be either threatened or endangered
frostCrystals of frozen vapor.
virusIs a fragment of DNA or RNA that depends on the infection of host cells for their reproduction
prescribed burna planned, controlled fire that clears flammable debris from the forest floor.
oxisolSoil order (type) of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Classification System
probabilityStatistical chance that an event will occur.
tropical disturbanceA discrete system of apparently organized convection originating in the tropics or subtropics, having a non-frontal migratory character and maintaining its identity for 24 hours or more.
aboveUpriver from.
winchA device used to give a mechanical advantage when hauling on the lines.
westerliesWest African Disturbance Line (WADL): It is a line of convection about 300 miles long, similar to a squall line
dependent variableVariable in a statistical test whose observation's values are thought to be controlled through cause and effect by another independent variable modeled in the test.
precipitatea solid which has come out of an aqueous solution
ecotonea transition zone between two distinctly different ecosystems or communities.
kinetic energyThe energy an object posses because of its motion.
smmaStandard Mitigation Measures Agreement
ground iceGeneral term used to describe all bodies of ice in the ground surface of the permafrost layer
tropopauseThe place that marks the end of the troposphere and the start of the stratosphere marked by a change in temperature.
oreA mineral from which metals can be extracted.
isothermA line connecting points of equal temperature.
onshore-offshore transportThe up and down movement of sediment roughly perpendicular to a shoreline because of wave action.
radial velocityComponent of motion toward or away from a given location
fimaFederal Insurance and Mitigation Administration
net primary productivityTotal amount of chemical energy fixed by the processes of photosynthesis minus the chemical energy lost through respiration.
squall lineA non-frontal band, or line, of thunderstorms.
pyroclastic flowa rapid flow of hot material consisting of ash, pumice, other rock fragments, and gas ejected by an explosive eruption.
producerAn organism that can synthesize the organic nutrients in requires for growth through processes like photosynthesis.
perfected water righta water right which indicates that the uses anticipated by an applicant, and made under permit, were made for beneficial use
consumptive usethe quantity of water not available for reuse
publicly-owned treatment worksa wastewater treatment plant that is owned by a state, unit of local government or Indian tribe, usually designed to treat domestic wastewaters
duration of ice coverThe time from freeze-up to break-up of an ice cover.
freezeIt occurs when the temperature falls below 32 degrees over a large area for an extended period of time.
paleosolA soil exhibiting features that are the result of some past conditions and processes.
locationA term used in geography that deals with the relative and absolution spatial position of natural and human-made phenomena.
starchComplex carbohydrate composed of thousands of glucose units
natural ionizing radiationIonizing radiation that comes from natural sources in the environment.
convectionThe transfer of heat or moisture in a medium by the movement of a mass or substance
treeA large woody plant that has a trunk which supports branches and leaves.
watershedLand area from which water drains toward a common watercourse in a natural basin.
freezup jamIce jam formed as frazil ice accumulates and thickens.
oceanographyit is equivalent to specific gravity and represents the ratio of the weight of a given volume of sea water to that of an equal volume of distilled water at 4.0°C or 39.2°F.
solar altitudeThe angle of the sun 90 degrees or less above the horizon.
emissivityThe ratio of total radiative output from a body per unit time per unit area at a specific temperature and wavelength to that of a black body under the same environmental conditions.
niche specializationProcess where evolution, through natural selection, adapts a species to a particular set of abiotic and biotic characteristics within a habitat.
conductionThe transfer of energy from one object to another due to the random motions of molecules
facilitationModification of a system that makes subsequent modifications easier.
unit hydrographThe discharge hydrograph from one inch of surface runoff distributed uniformly over the entire basin for a given time period.
threatened speciesSpecies that is still plentiful in its natural range but is likely to become endangered because of declining population numbers.
exploitationForm of competition where the indirect effects of the two or more species or individuals reduce the supply of the limiting resource or resources needed for survival.
geographic cycleTheory developed by William Morris Davis that models the formation of river-eroded landscapes
fire weather advisoryA fire weather advisory is issued when dry conditions in the advisory area result in a situation where forest or brush fires are possible.
forestA predominately wooded area of land.
carbon dioxideA critical atmospheric gas necessary for photosynthesis
base flowRate of discharge in a stream where only the throughflow and groundwater flow from subsurface aquifers contribute to the overall flow.
paleontologista scientist who studies fossils to determine facts about prehistoric plants and creatures
latent heat of vaporizationHeat required to change the phase of water from liquid to vapor; 540 to 600 calories per gram, depending on the temperature of the water.
bromeliadPlants of the bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae)
hostOrganism that develops disease from a pathogen or is being feed on by a parasite.
freezing rainA type of precipitation
grazing food chainModel describing the trophic flow of organic energy in a community or ecosystem.
divideThe high ground that forms the boundary of a watershed
sea-floor spreadingThe process of oceanic crust creation and sea-floor movement that occurs at the mid-oceanic ridge.
depositionProcess by which water changes phase directly from a vapor into a solid without first becoming a liquid.
sewage treatment planta facility designed to receive the wastewater from domestic sources and to remove materials that damage water quality and threaten public health and safety when discharged into receiving streams or bodies of water
stationary frontA front which is nearly stationary or moves very little since the last synoptic position
rodA graduated staff used in determining the difference in elevation between two points
electromagnetic radiationEnergy transfer in the form of waves that have both electrical and magnetic properties; occurs even in a vacuum.
tropical disturbanceAn organized group of thunderstorms often found over a tropical ocean that generates a slight cyclonic flow of less than 37 kilometers per hour
finite elementa method of solving the governing equations of a numerical model by dividing the spatial domain into elements in each of which the solution of the governing equations is approximated by a continuous function.
evaporimeterAn instrument which measures the evaporation rate of water into the atmosphere.
asapAHOS SHEF Automatic Processing System
organic soilSoil order (type) of the Canadian System of Soil Classification
site-specificTerm used in conjunction with "forecast" or "warning" to convey the fact that a hydrologic (stream) forecast is produced for an individual stream gage location as opposed to a general area (e.g., a city, zone, or county) as is commonly done in many types of weather forecasts.
stepped leaderA faint, negatively charged channel that emerges from the base of a thunderstorm and propagates toward the ground in a series of steps of about 1 microsecond duration and 50-100 meters in length, initiating a lightning stroke.
fujiwhara effectA binary interaction where tropical cyclones within a certain distance (300-750 nautical miles depending on the sizes of the cyclones) of each other begin to rotate about a common midpoint
rainsplashSoil erosion caused from the impact of raindrops.
seepagepercolation of water through the soil from unlined canals, ditches, laterals, watercourses, or water storage facilities.
luvisol soilSoil order (type) of the Canadian System of Soil Classification
recurrence intervalaverage amount of time between events of a given magnitude
classificationProcess of grouping things into categories.
karstLandform type with limestone bedrock and dominated by geomorphic features created from solution chemical weathering.
broken-line graphA graph in which points representing values are connected by a broken line.
shearSince both parameters are important for severe weather development, higher values generally indicate a greater potential for severe weather
homologous flaresIn solar-terrestrial terms, solar flares that occur repetitively in the same active region, with essentially the same position and with a common pattern of development
hicHydrologist In Charge
proportionalCause and effect relationship between two variables where a positive or negative change in the quantity of one causes a predictable similar quantity change in the other.
zenithThe point which is elevated 90 degrees from all points on a given observer's astronomical horizon
subduction zoneLinear area where tectonic subduction takes place.
eutrophicationPhysical, chemical and biological changes in a water body as a result of the input nitrogen and phosphorus.
brecciaCoarse grained sedimentary rock composed of cemented angular rock fragments.
asaptranThe software component of ASAP.
albedoThe ratio of the amount of electromagnetic radiation reflected by a body to the amount incipient upon it, commonly expressed as a percentage
vortexa rapidly whirling spiral
coriolis forceA deflective force arising from the rotation of the Earth on its axis; affects principally synoptic-scale and planetary-scale winds
seweragethe entire system of sewage collection, treatment, and disposal.
prpPreferred Risk Policy
brinehighly salty and heavily mineralized water containing heavy metal and organic contaminants.
ionosphereA complex atmospheric zone of ionized gases that extends between 50 and 400 miles (80 to 640 kilometers) above the earth's surface
heavy freezing sprayAn accumulation of freezing water droplets on a vessel at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater caused by some appropriate combination of cold water, wind, cold air temperature, and vessel movement.
sedimentation tankswastewater tanks in which floating wastes are skimmed off and settled solids are removed for disposal.
shorty pontoonA 22- to 25-foot pontoon
drought indexComputed value which is related to some of the cumulative effects of a prolonged and abnormal moisture deficiency
grassed waterwaynatural or constructed watercourse or outlet that is shaped or graded and planted in suitable vegetation for the disposal of runoff water without erosion.
needle iceA form of periglacial ground ice that consists of groups ice slivers at or immediately below the ground surface
fecal coliformthe portion of the coliform bacteria group which is present in the intestinal tracts and feces of warm-blooded animals
evolutionIs a process by which species come to possess genetic adaptations to their environment
house boulderA house-sized boulder.
wwwWorld Wide Web
thole pinAn upright steel pin on a rowing frame that serves as a fulcrum, or pivot point, for the oar
protoplasmSubstances making up a cell including its exterior membrane.
urban floodingFlooding of streets, underpasses, low lying areas, or storm drains
hicHydrologist in Charge of an RFC.
chemical energyEnergy consumed or produced in chemical reactions.
regolithLoose layer of rocky material overlying bedrock.
accretionGrowth of a cloud or precipitation particle by the collision and union of a frozen particle with a super-cooled water drop.
relationshipState of having something in common.
micronsalso called a micrometer, a unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter.
coneleta small cone on the side of a large volcano.
absorptionThe process whereby a portion of the radiation incident on an object is converted to heat.
solar timeThe time associated with the diurnal motion of the sun across the celestial sphere.
wave refractionThe re-orientation of a wave so that it approaches a shoreline at a more perpendicular angle
osmosisthe movement of water molecules through a thin membrane
nadirThe point on any given observer's celestial sphere diametrically opposite of one's zenith.
regenerationthe process of making or starting anew.
latitudeLes coordonnées de latitude pour les stations climatologiques sont généralement celles du parc des instruments; cependant, avant le 1 avril 1986, pour les stations principales (aéroports), on indiquait normalement l’emplacement officiel de ces aéroports
rockfallType of mass movement that involves the detachment and movement of a small block of rock from a cliff face to its base
transmissibilitythe capacity of a rock to transmit water under pressure
wasteload allocationterm used in conjunction with the TMDL Program, a WLA is the portion of a receiving water's loading capacity that is allocated to one of its existing or future point sources of pollution
return flowsurface water that returns to the natural environment after diversion for beneficial uses, such as for irrigation.
firejumpera specialized firefighter who parachutes to strategic locations from airplanes to battle wildfires.
pediplainAn arid landscape of little relief that is occasionally interrupted by the presence of scattered inselbergs
tropical disturbanceA discrete tropical weather system of apparently organized convection -- generally 100 to 300 n mi in diameter -- originating in the tropics or subtropics, having a nonfrontal migratory character, and maintaining its identity for 24 hours or more
gasPhase
surface tensionTension of a liquid's surface
compositesPlants of the compositae family (Asteraceae)
interferenceForm of competition where an individual directly prevents the physical establishment of another individual in a portion of a habitat.
northingSecond measurement of a grid reference used to specific the location of a point on a rectangular coordinate system
precessionThe wobble of the Earth's axis
glaciofluvialGeomorphic feature whose origin is related to the processes associated with glacial meltwater.
relocatedA term used in an advisory to indicate that a vector drawn from the preceding advisory position to the latest known position is not necessarily a reasonable representation of the cyclone's movement.
eccentricityGeometric shape of the Earth's orbit
tragedy of the commonsthe idea that no one takes responsibility for things that everybody owns.
capillarity(1)The degree to which a material or object containing minute openings or passages, when immersed in a liquid, will draw the surface of the liquid above the hydrostatic level
rowing frameA rigid frame that provides a seatfor the oarsman and allows the raftto be controlled by large oars
phnumeric value that describes the intensity of the acid or basic (alkaline) conditions of a solution
macroscaleMeteorological expression referring to synoptic events occurring on a scale of thousands of kilometers, such as warm and cold fronts.
calcium carbonateCompound consisting of calcium and carbonate
excessive heat watchIt’s issued when the following conditions occur within 12-36 hours: a heat index of at least 105 degrees for more than 3 hours per day for 2 consecutive days or a heat index more than 115 degrees for any period of time.
ring of fireSee Circum-Pacific Belt.
biodiversitythe variety of plant, animal, and microorganism species present in the ecosystem and the community structures the form.
conservation storageStorage of water for later release for usual purposes such as municipal water supply, power, or irrigation in contrast with storage capacity used for flood control..
price current meterA current meter with a series of conical cups fastened to a flat framework through which a pin extends
variable ceilingOccurs when the height of a ceiling layer increases and decreases rapidly, The ascribed height is the average of all the varying values.
aurora australisSouthern hemisphere equivalent of the aurora borealis.
sillHorizontal planes of igneous rock that run parallel to the grain of the original rock deposits.They form when magma enters and cools in bedding planes found within the crust
ecologyThe study of the factors that influence the distribution and abundance of species.
hydrometeorologistsIn hydrologic terms, individuals who have the combined knowledge in the fields of both meteorology and hydrology which enables them to study and solve hydrologic problems where meteorology is a factor.
entrainmentOne of three distinct processes involved in erosion
seismographsinstruments that make an automatic record of the time, duration, direction, and intensity of earthquakes
law of reflectionThe angle of incident reflection is to equal to the angle of reflected radiation.
evaporationThe process by which water changes phase from a liquid to a vapor at a temperature below the boiling point of water.
gross primary productivityTotal amount of chemical energy fixed by the processes of photosynthesis.
positive feedbackChange in the state of a system that enhances the measured effect of the initial alteration.
transmittancethe fraction or percent of a particular frequency or wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that passes through a substance without being absorbed or reflected.
sectionA portion of river located between two points; a stretch.
sunspotDark colored region on the Sun that represents an area of cooler temperatures and extremely high magnetic fields.
centripetal forceThe force required to keep an object moving in a curved or circular path
regional metamorphismLarge scale metamorphic modification of existing rock through the heat and pressure of plutons created at tectonic zones of subduction.
glacial retreatThe backwards movement of the snout of a glacier.
sublimationThe transition of a substance from the solid phase directly to the vapour phase, or vice versa, without passing through the liquid phase.
urbanizationExpansion of cities into rural regions because of population growth
dry flood proofingA dry flood proofed building is sealed against floodwaters
tertiary consumerOrganisms that occupy the fourth trophic level in the grazing food chain
contentsThe volume of water in a reservoir
ultisolsSoil order (type) of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Classification System
rain footA horizontal bulging near the surface in a precipitation shaft, forming a foot-shaped prominence
riftZone between two diverging tectonic plates
gross secondary productivityTotal amount of chemical energy assimilated by consumer organisms.
diurnalPertaining to actions or events that occur during a twenty-four hour cycle or recurs every twenty-four hours
self-supplied waterwater withdrawn from a surface- or ground-water source by a user rather than being obtained from a public supply
jouleA unit used to measure amounts of energy
colonizationMovement of individuals or propagules of a species to a new territory.
infiltrationMovement of water through the soil surface into the soil.
faultcrack in Earth's surface where two plates or sections of the crust push and slide in opposite directions against one another.
lower mantleLayer of the Earth's interior extending from 670 to 2,900 kilometers below the surface crust
soil horizonLayer within a soil profile that differs physically, biologically or chemically from layers above and/or below it.
daily flood peakThe maximum mean daily discharge occurring in a stream during a given flood event.
ozone shieldOzone (O3) within the stratosphere that filters out potentially lethal intensities of ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun.
avalanchea large mass of snow, ice, soil or rock, which detaches from a mountain slope and slides or falls suddenly downward; the sliding or falling of rocks, snow or other materials down the side of a mountain
competitive exclusionSituation where no two competitively interacting species can occupy exactly the same fundamental niche indefinitely because of resource limitations
inverted reliefA landscape in which synclines form high ground and anticlines form valleys.
local action statementA release prepared by a National Weather Service Forecast Office in or near a threatened area giving specific details for its area of responsibility
perihelionThe point of the earth's orbit that is nearest to the sun
emergency public informationInformation disseminated primarily, but not unconditionally, at the time of an emergency frequently includes actions, instructions and direct orders.
isohyetA line connecting points of equal precipitation amounts.
skedA position report issue every 6 hours.
centerThe vertical axis or core of a tropical cyclone
primary wastewater treatmentthe first stage of the wastewater-treatment process where mechanical methods, such as filters and scrapers, are used to remove pollutants
dnrDepartment of Natural Resources
meanStatistical measure of central tendency in a set of data
inferential statisticsStatistical test that makes generalizations about a population based of the numeric information obtained from a sample based on the laws of probability.
point-focusing concentratora solar power generator which uses a series of tracking mirrors (heliostats), Fresnel lenses, or a paraboloid (3-dimensional parabola, or dish) of mirrors to focus solar energy onto a single central receiver such as a boiler, engine, or photovoltaic array.
foliationProcess where once randomly distributed platy minerals in a rock become reoriented, because of metamorphism, in a parallel manner.
rilla small channel eroded into the soil by surface runoff; can be easily smoothed out or obliterated by normal tillage.
coriolis effectA force per unit mass that arises solely from the earth's rotation, acting to deflect fluid parcels that are in motion
spectrometerAn instrument used to study the electromagnetic spectrum.
giardiasisa disease that results from an infection by the protozoan parasite Giardia Intestinalis, caused by drinking water that is either not filtered or not chlorinated
ecosystema community of plants and animals, including humans, and their physical surroundings.
organism abundance and conditionthat portion of an Index of Biotic Integrity that is a metric measuring species abundance and condition, including proportion of individuals as hybrids and proportion of individuals with disease, tumors, physical damage, or physical anomalies.
productivityRate of energy fixation or storage of biomass by plants
loamA soil that contains a roughly equal mixture of clay, sand, and silt
bulkheadA partition to strengthen the frame of a yacht.
surface temperatureThe air temperature measured in the shade at 1.5 m (or 5 ft) above the ground.
finite volumea method of solving the governing equations of a numerical model by dividing the spatial domain into a mesh of nodes and corresponding volumes around each node
visibilitythe distance over which objects can be seen
orbitA path described by one body in its revolution about another.
drainage divideThe boundary line, along a topographic ridge or along a subsurface formation, separating two adjacent drainage basins.
snowsnow pellets, snow grains, ice crystals, ice pellets, and hail.
microburstA small, concentrated downburst affecting an area less than about 2.5 miles across.  Most microbursts are rather short-lived (5 minutes or so), but on rare occasions have been known to last up to 30 minutes.
radiationit is waves of energy propagated though space or through a material media.
dalton's lawStates that the total pressure exerted by a mixture of gases is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of the gases
biodiversityThe diversity of different species (species diversity), genetic variability among individuals within each species (genetic diversity), and variety of ecosystems (ecosystem diversity)
temperatureThe degree of hotness or coldness as measured on some definite temperature scale.
tharsis*An elevated region on Mars containing the Tharsis Montes, four extremely large volcanos: Olympus, Ascraeus, Pavonis, and Arsia
strainerBrush, fallen trees, bridge pilings, or anything else that allows the current to sweep through but pins boots and boaters
*microburstA small, concentrated downburst affecting an area less than 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles) across
anchor iceSubmerged Frazil ice attached or anchored to the river bottom, irrespective of its formation.
thalwegIn hydrologic terms, the line of maximum depth in a stream
conductionConduction consists of energy transfer directly from atom to atom and represents the flow of energy along a temperature gradient.
bolsonIs a closed desert basin with no drainage outlet, surrounded by mountains.
ice gorgeThe gorge or opening left in a jam after it has broken.
ppmSee parts per million.
geocodingThe conversion of features found on an analog map into a computer-digital form
weather satellitesunmanned spaceships in orbit up to 22,000 miles above the earth; they have cameras that photograph the planet and send signals to receiving stations on earth
inverse square lawIntensity of radiation decreases as the inverse square of distance traveled.
impermeable layera layer of solid material, such as rock or clay, which does not allow water to pass through.
calorieamount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water 1 degree Celsius.
crown firea fire that spreads through the treetops, or crown, of a forest.
draw strokepaddling technique of moving a boat sideways toward the paddle
gallerya wooden, steel or concrete barrier or bridge built in known avalanche paths; a gallery allows cascading snow to pass over highways and railroad racks
ice-forming nucleiTiny particles that promote the formation of ice crystals at temperatures well below freezing; include freezing nuclei and deposition nuclei.
food chaintransfer of food energy from one organism to another
stream orderThe relative position, or rank, of a stream channel segment in a drainage network.
foldWavelike layers in rock strata that are the result of compression.
gleizationA soil formation process that occurs in poorly drained environments
light yearDistance that light travels in the vacuum of space in one year
discontinuityComparatively large contrast in meteorological elements over a relatively small distance or period of time
circle of illuminationA line that bisects areas on the Earth receiving sunlight and those areas in darkness
grounded iceIce that has run aground or is contact with the ground underneath it.
oilHydrocarbon based liquid commonly found in the pores of sedimentary rocks of marine origin.
t rolls[Slang], same as transverse rolls.
inputAddition of matter, energy, or information to a system
holeA reversal
equationA mathematical statement saying that two amounts or values are the same or equal.
mesosphereThe layer of the atmosphere located between the stratosphere and the ionosphere, where temperatures drop rapidly with increasing height
organic matterMass of matter that contains living organisms or non-living material derived from organisms
basinA topographic rock structure whose shape is concave downwards.
epiphyteType of vegetation that gets its physical support from the branches of other plants
alpsMountain system composed of more than fifteen principle mountain ranges that extends in an arc for almost 660 miles (1,060 kilometers) across south-central Europe.
gene frequencyFrequency of alleles at an individual or population level.
hazard mitigationAny cost-effective measure that will reduce the potential for damage to a facility from a disaster event
sustained overdraftLong-term withdrawal from the aquifer of more water than is being recharged.
sampleA sample is a subset group of data selected from a larger population group
rating curveA graph showing the relationship between the stage, usually plotted vertically (Y-axis) and the discharge, usually plotted horizontally (X-axis).
noaaNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Service
pforPrincipal Federal Official Representative
antennaA conductor or system of conductors for radiating and/or receiving radio energy
national response teamrepresentatives of 13 federal agencies that, as a team, coordinate federal responses to nationally significant incidents of pollution and provide advice and technical assistance to the responding agencies.
gravitational forceThe product of mass and gravitational acceleration.
secondary substanceOrganic chemical produced by a plant that has no direct function in its metabolism
sheetA line that controls sails and adjusts their angle of attack and their trailing edge.
inundation mapDelineates areas that would be flooded as a result of a dam failure
groundwater rechargethe inflow to a ground water reservoir.
magmahot molten rock created by the partial melting of the crust and mantle at high temperatures far below the ground
feedbacksA sequence of interactions where one change leads to some other change, which can act to either reinforce or inhibit the original change.
speed of lightVelocity of light in a vacuum
wavelengthThe distance between one crest of a wave and another.
infiltration capacityThe maximum rate at which water can enter the soil at a particular point under a given set of conditions.
dry crackCrack visible at the surface but not going right through the ice cover, and therefore it is dry.
fire vortexDuring a natural or prescribed fire, the flames drastically heat the surface which allows for hot air near the surface to rise
sdmStation Duty Manual
evacuationthe movement of people out of an area because of war or disaster
predictionForecast or extrapolation of the future state of a system from current or past states.
spectral modelA model in which the prognostic field variables are represented as sums of a finite set of spectral modes rather than at gridpoints
coniferous vegetationCone-bearing vegetation of middle and high latitudes that are mostly evergreen and that have needle-shaped or scale like leaves
tornado alleyAn area stretching from Texas though Iowa, where many U.S
electric vehiclesvehicles that run on electric batteries and motors instead of gasoline-powered engines.
weighing-bucket rain gaugeA device that is calibrated so that the weight of cumulative rainfall is recorded directly in terms of millimeters or inches.
satelliteAn object which has been sent into space in order to collect information or to be part of a communications system.
convectionDerechos include any family of downburst clusters produced by an extratropical MCS, and can produce damaging straight-line winds over areas hundreds of miles long and more than 100 miles across.
photonthe fundamental particle or quantum of electromagnetic radiation (radiant energy).
brunisol soilSoil order (type) of the Canadian System of Soil Classification
trophic compositionthat portion of an Index of Biotic Integrity that is a metric measuring the proportion of species and proportions of omnivores, insectivores, and omnivores.
artificial controlA weir or other man-made structure which serves as the control for a stream-gaging station.
ceilometerAn instrument that automatically records cloud height.
glacial surgeA rapid forward movement of the snout of a glacier.
snow stakeA 1-3/4 inch square, semi-permanent stake, marked in inch increments to measure snow depth.
braided streamCharacterized by successive division and rejoining of streamflow with accompanying islands
water quality standardslaws or regulations, promulgated under Section 303 of the Clean Water Act, that consist of the designated use or uses of a waterbody or a segment of a waterbody and the water quality criteria that are necessary to protect the use or uses of that particular waterbody
isoplethA line connecting equal points of value
storm surgeAn increase in water level associated with some significant meteorological event such as:
evaporationEvaporation can be defined as the process by which liquid water is converted into a gaseous state
intensitydescription of the physical damage caused by an earthquake.
pedogenic regimeThe particular soil forming process that operates in a certain climate
hndHundred
parasiteConsumer organism that feeds on a host for an extended period of time
kelvin temperature scaleA temperature scale in which 0 degrees is absolute zero, or the point at which all molecular motion ceases
bioremediationa process that uses living organisms to remove pollutants.
femaFederal Emergency Management Agency
eukaryoteOrganisms whose cells have a membrane-bound nucleus and many specialized structures located within their cell boundary
directional shearThe component of wind shear which is due to a change in wind direction with height, e.g., southeasterly winds at the surface and southwesterly winds aloft
hyder flareIn solar-terrestrial terms, a filiment-associated two-ribbon flare, often occurring in spotless regions
influent seepageMovement of gravity water in the zone of aeration from the ground surface toward the water table.
ground firea fire that burns beneath layer of dead plant material on the forest floor.
snow rollerThe product of moist, cohesive snow that when initiated by wind rolls across the landscape, gathering snow until it can no longer move
fresh water inflow requirementsfreshwater flows required to maintain the natural salinity, nutrient, and sediment delivery in a bay or estuary that supports their unique biological communities and ensures a healthy ecosystem.
moraineA mass of boulder clay carried by a glacier.
bottomset bedHorizontal deltaic deposit of alluvial sediment composed of fine silt and clay.
isthmusNarrow strip of land linking two larger land masses.
oar frameSame as rowing frame.
aerobiclife or processes that require, or are not destroyed by, the presence of oxygen.
establishmentSubsequent growth and/or reproduction of a colonized species in a new territory.
cerclaComprehensive Environment Response, Compensation and Liability Act
dry adiabatic lapse rateRising unsaturated (clear) air parcels cool at the rate of about 10 Celsius degrees per 1000 m of uplift (or 5.5 Fahrenheit degrees per 1000 ft).
sleeperSubmerged rock or boulder just below the surface, usually marked by little or no surface disturbance.
spectrographAn instrument that spreads out the light gathered by a telescope so that it can be analyzed to determine many different properties of celestial objects
system relationshipIs the association that exist between the elements and attributes of a system based on cause and effect.
grasslandEcosystem whose dominant species are various types of grass
convergenceDivergence at upper levels of the atmosphere enhances upward motion, and hence the potential for thunderstorm development (if other factors also are favorable).
aquaculturefarming of plants and animals that live in water, such as fish, shellfish, and algae.
hybrid vehiclesvehicles that run on more than one source of power, such as gasoline and electricity.
voyagerLaunched in 1977, NASA's twin Voyager space probes studied the outer planets before continuing on into deep space
floodproofingThe process of protecting a building from flood damage on site
cryosol soilSoil order (type) of the Canadian System of Soil Classification
foldingThe deformation of rock layers because of compressive forces to form folds.
combined sewer overflowthe discharge of a mixture of storm water and domestic waste when the flow capacity of a sewer system is exceeded during rainstorms.
chlorophyllGreen pigment found in plants and some bacteria used to capture the energy in light through photosynthesis.
leaf dripThe rain water that fall to the ground surface from plant leaves after it has been intercepted by these structures.
cation exchangeChemical trading of cations between the soil minerals and organic matter with the soil solution and plant roots.
crackA separation formed in an ice cover of floe that does not divide it into two or more pieces.
brackish iceIce formed from Brackish water.
stressthe intensity of two forces working against each other
chezy's roughnessa coefficient in Chezy's equation that accounts for energy loss due to the friction between the channel and the water.
sand wedgeA form of ice wedge that contains accumulations of wind blown sand in long vertical layers
wellhead protection areaa protected surface and subsurface zone surrounding a well or well field supplying a public water system to keep contaminants from reaching the well water.
coalSedimentary rock composed of the compacted, lithified and altered remains of plants
natural gasHydrocarbon based gas, mainly composed of methane, commonly found in the pores of sedimentary rocks of marine origin.
methaneA greenhouse gas produced by the decomposition of human and animal waste along with carbon based materials such as coal, petroleum and bogs.
mean sea-levelThe average height of the ocean surface as determined from the mean of all tidal levels recorded at hourly intervals.
snowsnow pellets, snow grains, and ice crystals
solar zenith angleThe angle at the earth's surface measured between the Sun and an observer's zenith.
irrigationThe controlled application of water to arable lands to supply water requirements not satisfied by rainfall.
adsorptionthe adhesion of a substance to the surface of a solid or liquid
volcanic conea conical mountain built up by volcanic eruptions
carbonationIs a form of chemical weathering where carbonate and bicarbonate ions react with minerals that contain calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
wind speedThe rate of the motion of the air on a unit of time
haploidCell that contains only one set of chromosomes
fire tornadoDuring a natural or prescribed fire, the flames drastically heat the surface which allows for hot air near the surface to rise
organelleIs a specialized structure found in cells that carry out distinct cellular functions.
freezing rainRain, the drops of which freeze on impact with the ground or with objects at or near the ground.
*squall lineA solid or nearly solid line or band of active thunderstorms.
blackwaterwastewater from toilet, latrine, and agua privy flushing and sinks used for food preparation or disposal of chemical or chemical-biological ingredients.
non-renewable resourceResource that is finite in quantity and is being used faster than its ability to regenerate itself.
fire weatherWeather conditions leading to an increased risk of wildfires.
pressureIs defined as the force acting on a surface from another mass per unit area.
freezing rainRain that falls in liquid form but freezes upon impact to form a coating of glaze on the ground and on exposed objects.
coreThe core is a layer rich in iron and nickel found in the interior of the Earth
soil erodibilityAn indicator of a soil's susceptibility to raindrop impact, runoff, and other eroding processes.
background extinctionNormal extinction of species that occurs as a result of changes in local environmental conditions
inceptisolsSoil order (type) of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Classification System
biospherePart of the Earth where life is found
fossil fuelCarbon based remains of organic matter that has been geologically transformed into coal, oil and natural gas
river leftLeft side of the river when facing downstream.
hard waterwater containing a high level of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals
energyThe capacity to do work
calibration errorThe inaccuracy that the manufacturer permits when the unit is calibrated in the factory.
hydrocarbonsCompounds made of hydrogen and carbon atoms.
strikeOne of the directional properties of a geologic structure such as a fold or a fault
head lossIn hydrologic terms, the decrease in total head caused by friction
inversionA term meaning the reversal of something, in meteorology the a reversal of the normal atmospheric temperature gradient with height.
revolveTo move in a circle around a central point or line.
heavy freezing spray warningA warning for an accumulation of freezing water droplets on a vessel at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater caused by some appropriate combination of cold water, wind, cold air temperature, and vessel movement.
spatialpertaining to space, or pertaining to distance such as spatial variation (variation over distance).
commensialismBiological interaction between tospecies where one species benefits in terms of fitness while they other experiences no effect on its fitness.
vapor pressureThe pressure exerted by the molecules of a given vapor
linera relatively impermeable barrier designed to keep leachate inside a landfill; an insert or sleeve for sewer pipes to prevent leakage or infiltration.
indicator teststests for a specific contaminant, group of contaminants, or constituent which signals the presence of something else (ex., coliforms indicate the presence of pathogenic bacteria).
velocityThe change of direction and position of an object with time.
vorticityA measure of the amount of "spin" (or rotation) in the atmosphere.
genetic diversityGenetic variability found in a population of a species or all of the populations of a species
anthropogenicResulting from human activities.
microclimatethe local climate near the ground that is peculiar to a small area (usually, the radius is less than a kilometer, and can be as small as a centimeter)
seedFertilized ovule of a plant that contains an embryo and food products for germination
fossilsThe mineralised remains of plants and animals embedded in rocks.
archipelagoA group of islands.
silicate magmaMagma that is felsic in composition.
dcoDefense Coordinating Officer
perihelionThe point on the Earth's orbit when it is closest to the Sun.
geologista scientist who studies the origin, history, structure, and processes of the earth
ground water miningPumping ground water from a basin where the safe yield is very small, thereby extracting ground water which had accumulated over a long period of time.
siderealRelative to the stars.
latitudeLatitude is a north-south measurement of position on the Earth
geopotentialIs equivalent to the potential energy of unit mass relative to a standard level (mean sea-level by convention) and is numerically equal to the work which would be done against gravity in raising the unit mass from mean sea-level to the level at which the mass is located
mass wastingGeneral term that describes the downslope movement of sediment, soil, and rock material.
hydrostatic heada measure of pressure at a given point in a liquid in terms of the vertical height of a column of the same liquid which would produce the same pressure.
laylineAn imaginary line projecting at an angle corresponding to the wind direction from either side of a racecourse marker buoy that defines the optimum sailing angle for a yacht to fetch the mark or the finish line
emergency operations centerThe county facility that serves as a central location for the coordination and control of all emergency preparedness and response.
batholithA large mass of subsurface intrusive igneous rock that has its origins from mantle magma.
basic solutionAny water solution that is basic (pH greater than 7) or has less hydrogen ions (H+) than hydroxide ions (OH-)
stretchA portion of river located between two points; a section.
ndpoFBI’s National Domestic Preparedness Office
hydrologic cycleWater Equivalent
progradationThe natural extension of a shoreline seaward.
organismany form of animal or plant life.
cg(Some claim to have observed a relationship between staccato lightning and positive CGs, but this relationship is as yet unproven.)
per capita usethe average amount of water used per person during a standard time period, generally per day.
solonetzic soilSoil order (type) of the Canadian System of Soil Classification
cyanobacteriaBacteria that have the ability to photosynthesize.
apogeeThe point farthest from the earth on the moon's orbit
soil taxonomyThe classification of a soil in a hierarchical system based on its various properties
experimentA controlled investigation designed to evaluate the outcomes of causal manipulations on some system of interest.
brash iceAccumulation of floating ice made up of fragments not more than 2 meters across; the wreckage of other forms of ice.
rain foot[Slang], a horizontal bulging near the surface in a precipitation shaft, forming a foot-shaped prominence
death tollthe total number of people who die as a result of a disaster
specific conductancea measure of the ability of water to conduct an electrical current as measured using a 1-cm cell and expressed in units of electrical conductance, i.e., Siemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius
troposphereThe lowest layer of the atmosphere located between the earth's surface to approximately 11 miles (17 kilometers) into the atmosphere
volumeThe occupation of space in three dimensions
isothermLines on a map joining points of equal temperature.
celestial equatorThe projection of the plane of the geographical equator upon the celestial sphere.
cloudCosmic Rays
area of influenceThe area covered by the drawdown curves of a given pumping well or combination of wells at a particular time.
bifurcation ratioQuantitative ratio determined between the parts of systems that display branching
ten-man raftA boat 8 by 16 feet that will accommodate four to six people
ozoneA form of oxygen containing 3 molecules, usually found in the stratosphere, and responsible for filtering out much of the sun's ultraviolet radiation.
ferricretesSedimentary rock created by the chemical precipitation of iron.
isobarsA line drawn on a weather map connecting points of equal pressure
calibrationto check, adjust, or determine by comparison that a computer model will produce results that meet or exceed some defined criteria within a specified degree of confidence.
specific gravityThe ratio of the mass of a body to the mass of an identical volume of water at a specific temperature.
detention storageThe volume of water, other than depression storage, existing on the land surface as flowing water which has not yet reached the channel.
thpoTribal Historic Preservation Officer (refers to activities on native American tribal lands)
recurrence intervalThe average amount of time between events of a given magnitude
pathogena disease-producing agent; usually applied to a living organism
sun dogEither of two colored luminous spots that appear at roughly 22° on both sides of the sun at the same elevation
schistA medium to coarse grained metamorphic rock with well developed bedding planes derived from the foliated recrystrallization of platy like minerals like mica.
spring tideSemi-monthly tide of increased height due to the new or full moon.
irisationColors appearing on clouds, sometimes mingled, sometimes in the form of bands nearly parallel to the margins of the clouds
calculatePerform mathematical operations.
tundraHigh latitude biome dominated by a few species of dwarf shrubs, a few grasses, sedges, lichens, and mosses
hydraulic gradientThe slope of the water table or aquifer
photometerAny of a number of atmospheric phenomena which appear as luminous patterns in the sky
j-rigA pontoon-sized raft formed by joining several giant snout-nosedsponsons.
environmentThe sum total of all the external conditions that effect an organism, community, material, or energy.
cirrusHigh-level clouds (16,000 feet or more), composed of ice crystals and appearing in the form of white, delicate filaments or white or mostly white patches or narrow bands
emergency action planA predetermined plan of action to be taken to reduce the potential for property damage and loss of life in an area affected by a dam break or excessive spillway release.
confined groundwaterGroundwater trapped between two impervious layers of rock.
hmruHazardous Materials Response Unit
tilt sequenceRadar term indicating that the radar antenna is scanning through a series of antenna elevations in order to obtain a volume scan.
natural disasterany terrible event, not caused by human activity, that results in deaths, injuries, or damage to property
river ice statementA public product issued by the RFC's containing narrative and numeric information on river ice conditions.
industrial revolutionMajor change in the economy and society of humans brought on by the use of machines and the efficient production of goods
soundingCalculation of the convective temperature involves many assumptions, such that thunderstorms sometimes develop well before or well after the convective temperature is reached (or may not develop at all)
phreatic surfaceThe free surface of ground water at atmospheric pressure.
flash flood guidanceAn internal product produced by the RFCs containing rainfall threshold values which must be exceeded in order to produce a flash flood.
biosphereThe transition zone between the earth and the atmosphere within which most terrestrial life forms are found
spatial isolationReproductive isolation of two or more populations of a species by distance or physical barriers
squall lineA line of intense thunderstorm cells parallel to and ahead of a fast-moving well-defined cold front.
wetting and dryingPhysical weathering process where rocks are mechanically disintegrated by the accumulation of successive layers of water molecules in between the mineral grains of a rock
breakup periodThe period of disintegration of an ice cover.
updraftThe cumulus towers that often are part of, or lead to thunderstorms.
ground fogFog produced over the land by the cooling of the lower atmosphere as it comes in contact with the ground
stabilityThe capability of a system to tolerate or recover from disturbance or an environmental stress.
thresholdThe level of magnitude of a system process at which sudden or rapid change occurs.
hydropowerelectrical energy produced by falling water.
phosphorousa plant nutrient that can cause an overabundance of bacteria and algae when high amounts are present, leading to a depletion of oxygen and fish kills
spodosolsSoil order (type) of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Classification System
drainage densityThe relative density of natural drainage channels in a given area
nitrateForm of nitrogen commonly found in the soil and used by plants for building amino acids, DNA and proteins
moraineA hill of glacial till deposited directly by a glacier.
consolidated ice coverIce cover formed by the packing and freezing together of floes, brash ice and other forms of floating ice.
rain gaugeInstrument that measures the rain that falls at a location over a period of time.
highAn area of high pressure around which the wind blows clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
geoidTrue shape of the Earth, which deviates from a perfect sphere because of a slight bulge at the equator.
squall lineA narrow band or line of active thunderstorms that is not associated with a cold front
kinetic energyenergy possessed by a moving object or water body.
heavy freezing spray warningUsually issued for shipping interests when conditions are favorable for the rapid freezing of sea spray on vessels at a rate of more than 2 centimetres (0.79 in) per hour.
latosolSoil order (type) of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Classification System
geographic rangeSpatial distribution of a species
rateA fixed ratio between two things.
inclined staff gageA staff gage that is placed on the slope of a stream bank and graduated so that the scale reads directly in vertical depth.
riggingThe wires, lines, halyards, and other items used to attach the sails and the spars to the boat
thermal metamorphismIs the metamorphic alteration of rock because of intense heat released from processes related to plate tectonics.
powerthe amount of work or energy expended in a given amount of time
leachingthe process by which soluble materials in the soil, such as salts, nutrients, pesticide chemicals or contaminants, are washed into a lower layer of soil or are dissolved and carried away by water.
north magnetic poleLocation in the Northern Hemisphere where the lines of force from Earth's magnetic field are vertical
catchment areaAn area having a common outlet for its surface runoff (also see Drainage Area or Basin, Watershed).
volcanic ventAn opening on a volcano through which lava is released and rock fragments and ash are ejected.
elastic deformationChange in the shape of a material as the result of the force of compression or expansion
sulfur trioxideReleased into the atmosphere primarily through the burning of fossil fuels that contain sulfur.
perched groundwaterLocal saturated zones above the water table which exist above an impervious layer of limited extent.
squall lineA solid or nearly solid line or band of active thunderstorms.
cyclogenesisProcess of cyclone formation, maturation, and death.
mass numberTotal number of neutrons and protons in the nucleus of an atom
outputMovement of matter, energy, or information out of a system
bar screenin wastewater treatment, a device used to remove large solids from the incoming wastewater stream.
itInformation technology
oxidationa chemical reaction involving the combination of a material with oxygen.
ground water runoffThat part of the runoff which has passed into the ground, has become ground water, and has been discharged into a stream channel as spring, or seepage water.
left bankLeft side of the river when facing downstream.
equatorLine of latitude at 0 degrees -- equal distance from both poles.
o horizonTopmost layer of most soils
milky way galaxyAggregation of about 400 billion stars in a flattened, disk-shaped structure in space
longshore currentA water current that moves parallel to the shoreline.
hydrolysisthe decomposition of organic compounds by interaction with water.
propaguleStructure that develops into a plant.
lowest astronomical tideThe lowest tide level that can be predicted to occur under average meteorological conditions and any combination of astronomical conditions
eccentricityThe deviation of an ellipse from a perfect circular shape.
riverA long narrow channel of water that flows as a function of gravity and elevation across the Earth's surface
segregated iceA form of periglacial ground ice that consists of almost pure ice that often exists as an extensive horizontal layer
equilibrium timeThe time when flow conditions become substantially equal to those corresponding to equilibrium discharge or equilibrium drawdown.
incrementalThe process of increasing in number, size, quantity, or extent.
radarAn instrument used for detecting the presence and distance of objects, such as rain drops, by scattering radio energy.
shear stressStress caused by forces operating parallel to each other but in opposite directions.
pedogenesisProcess of soil formation.
latitudeThe angular distance in degrees, minutes and seconds measured from the center of the Earth to a point north and south of the Equator
forestEcosystem dominated by trees
wrappedSaid of a raft pinned flat around a rock or other obstruction by the current.
electromagnetic energyEnergy stored in electromagnetic waves or radiation
trade windseasterly-blowing winds that are found on either side of the equator and blow northeasterly in the Northern Hemisphere and southeasterly in the Southern Hemisphere
discharge table(1) A table showing the relation between two mutually dependant quantities or variable over a given range of magnitude
espinitESP Initialization Program
grout curtainA barrier produced by injecting grout into a vertical zone, usually narrow (horizontally), and in the foundation to reduce seepage under a dam.
steppeGrasslands spreading from central Europe to Siberia.
throughfallDescribes the process of precipitation passing through the plant canopy
radioisotope or radioactive isotopeA unstable isotope of an element
probe linea line of 20 to 30 people, standing elbow to elbow, who advanced up a slope, poking into the snow with long poles in an effort to find victims buried by an avalanche
orogenesisThe process of mountain building through tectonic forces of compression and volcanism.
interbasin transferThe physical transfer of water from one watershed to another.
unconfined groundwaterGroundwater that is not restricted by impervious layers of rock.
chemical autotrophOrganism that uses the external energy found in chemical compounds to produce food molecules
vegetationall the trees and plants that grow in a particular area
representative fractionThe expression of map scale as a mathematical ratio.
aircomprising 0.033% of the total.
talikAn unfrozen section of ground found above, below, or within a layer of discontinuous permafrost
micronutrientNutritional element required by an organism in relatively very small quantities.
headgatethe gate that controls water flow into irrigation canals and ditches
siltstoneFine grained sedimentary rock composed of lithified silt particles.
infiltrationthe penetration of water through the ground surface into sub-surface soil or the penetration of water from the soil into sewer or other pipes through defective joints, connections, or manhole walls.
environmental indicatora measurement, statistic or value that provides evidence of the effects of environmental management programs or of the state or condition of the environment.
scarificationExtensive movements of soil, sediment, and rock material caused by humans.
durationIn wave forecasting, the length of time the wind blows in nearly the same direction over the fetch, or "generating area."
wave periodThe time elapsed for a wave to travel the distance of one wavelength.
tarnA small mountain lake that occurs inside a cirque basin.
channelA raftable route through a section of river.
solar irradiancethe amount of solar energy that arrives at a specific area of a surface during a specific time interval (radiant flux density)
point sourcesource of pollution that involves discharge of wastes from an identifiable point, such as a smokestack or sewage treatment plant
continental effectThe effect that continental surfaces have on the climate of locations or regions
hazeAn aggregation in the atmosphere of very fine, widely dispersed, solid or liquid particles, or both, giving the air an opalescent appearance that subdues colors.
reservoirA man-made facility for the storage, regulation and controlled release of water.
plastic deformationIrreversible change in the shape of a material without fracture as the result of the force of compression or expansion.
diploidCell that contains two sets of chromosomes
prime meridianThe location from which meridians of longitude are measured
numerical prediction modela computer program that mathematically duplicates conditions in nature
newton's law of gravityThe gravitational force between a pair of objects.
tolerance rangeLimits of tolerance a species has to an abiotic factor or condition in the environment.
inert wastewaste that does not contain hazardous waste or soluble pollutants at concentrations in excess of applicable water quality objectives, and does not contain significant quantities of decomposable waste.
pyranometerThe standard instrument for measuring solar radiation incident on a horizontal surface; calibrates the temperature response of a special sensor in units of radiation flux.
cratonStable foundation core of the Earth's various plates of continental crust
hygroscopic coefficientMaximum limit of hygroscopic water around the surface of a soil particle.
head lossThe decrease in total head caused by friction, entrance and exit losses.
pollutantA substance that has a harmful effect on the health, survival, or activities of humans or other living organisms.
detachmentOne of three distinct processes involved in erosion
map projectionCartographic process used to represent the Earth's three-dimensional surface onto a two-dimension map
mie scatteringProduced by spherical particles having the same diameter as the wavelength of visible light; light is scattered equally at all wavelengths.
slurrya watery mixture of insoluble matter resulting from some pollution control techniques.
ionospherewhere temperatures drop rapidly with increasing height
fresh waterWater that is relatively free of salts.
intangible flood damageEstimates of the damage done by disruption of business, danger to health, shock, and loss of life and in general all costs not directly measurable which require a large element of judgment for estimating.
fracturingDeformation process whereby ice is permanently deformed, and fracture occurs.
sandParticulate material resulting from rock disintegration, with no connotation as to composition
hanging wallThe topmost surface of an inclined fault.
lavaMolten magma released from a volcanic vent or fissure.
multi-cell thunderstormA thunderstorm consisting of two or more cells, of which most or all are often visible at a given time as distinct domes or towers in various stages of development
aquifugeA geologic formation which has no interconnected openings and cannot hold or transmit water.
evaporateTo change from a liquid to a gas.
bannwalderan area of woodland in an avalanche zone, which cannot be cut or disturbed because it is a natural barrier to avalanches
unit hydrograph theoryUnit Hydrograph Theory states that surface runoff hydrographs for storm events of the same duration will have the same shape, and the ordinates of the hydrograph will be proportional to the ordinates of the unit hydrograph
inhibition model of successionThis model of succession suggests that the change in plant species dominance over time is caused by death and small scale disturbances and variations is plant species longevity and ability to disperse
hollow-columna snowflake in the shape of a long, six-sided column.
condensationThe change in state of matter from vapor to liquid that occurs with cooling
slateA fine grained metamorphic rock with well developed bedding planes derived from the slight recrystrallization of shale.
eclipticThe sun's apparent path across the sky that tracks a circle through the celestial sphere.
trade windsPrevailing planetary-scale surface winds in tropical latitudes; blow from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and from the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere.
isoplethA line on a map connecting locations with the same value of a variable.
hydrographIn hydrologic terms, a graph showing the water level (stage), discharge, or other property of a river volume with respect to time.
valley breezeLocal thermal circulation pattern found in areas of topographic relief
absolute zeroConsidered to be the point at which theoretically no molecular activity exists or the temperature at which the volume of a perfect gas vanishes
laccolithA blister of magma that forces the overlying rocks into a dome.
drainage reusereuse of agricultural drainage on salt-tolerant crops.
terminal fall velocityVelocity at which a particle being transported by wind or water falls out of the moving medium
shield volcanoVolcano created from alternate layers of lava flows
ascendTo go up or rise.
urban areaGeographic area with a high density of people over a limited area
wettable powderdry formulation that must be mixed with water or other liquid before it is applied.
obliquityObliquity is the angle between a planet's equatorial plane and its orbital plane.
importWater piped or channeled into an area.
protonA sub-particle of an atom that contains a positive charge.
bioassaya test to determine the relative strength of a substance by comparing its effect on a test organism with that of a standard preparation.
ogeeA reverse curve, shaped like an elongated letter S
scenarioDescription of how the future may develop, based on a coherent and internally consistent set of assumptions about key relationships and driving forces.
transparencyThe ability of a medium to allow light to pass through it.
aftershockssmaller quakes that follow a major earthquake
"nice looking rubbber"One of the higher compliments that can he paid a raft.
transportOne of three distinct processes involved in erosion
irrigation efficiencyThe percentage of water applied that can be accounted for in soil moisture increase for consumptive use.
sternThe rear of the boat.
rectangular coordinate systemSystem that measures the location of points on the Earth on a two-dimensional coordinate plane
pedimentA gradually sloping bedrock surface located at the base of fluvial-eroded mountain range
flashoverwhen burning objects heat walls and other objects in an enclosed area to their ignition temperature, causing them to flame; marked by large increase in flame volume and a sudden, marked rise in gas temperature
foreshocka small tremor before a major earthquake
actinometerAn instrument which measures the intensity of radiation by determining the amount of chemical change or fluorescence produced by that radiation.
densityAn example is a baroclinic pattern.
ferryA maneuver for moving a boat laterally across a current
magnitudethe power of an earthquake.
antenna gainSee gain.
omlAn Operations Manual Letter
pore iceA form of periglacial ground ice that is found in the spaces that exist between particles of soil.
equatorwhich is designated at zero (0) degrees
turning pointIn hydrologic terms, a temporary point whose elevation is determined by additions and subtractions of backsights and foresights respectively.
aspiratorA device attached to a meteorological instrument to provide ventilation; usually a suction fan.
sublimationThe process whereby water changes phase from a solid into a vapor without first becoming liquid.
active volcanoa volcano that continues to erupt regularly.
isotopeForm of an element where the number of neutrons in its atomic nucleus is different than the number of protons.
infrared radiationForm of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 0.7 and 100 micrometers (µm)
cumulusPuffy white or light grey clouds with a flat base and a sharp outline, often resembling a floating cotton balls
cement grouta mixture of water and cement in the ratio of not more than 5-6 gallons of water to a 94 pound sack of portland cement which is fluid enough to be pumped through a small diameter pipe.
planumAn IAU geographical feature name meaning “high plain” or “plateau.”
absorptionwhen the substance of interest is captured by another substance, reducing the amount available
foresightA sighting on a point of unknown elevation from an instrument of known elevation
plantaeGroup, at the kingdom level, in the classification of life
moderate floodingThe inundation of secondary roads; transfer to higher elevation necessary to save property -- some evacuation may be required.
calorieQuantity of energy
hydraulic head(1) The height of the free surface of a body of water above a given point beneath the surface
jet entrance/exitThis is an area observed in upper air data, usually using the wind field, where the upper winds accelerate and decelerate notably.  This acceleration and deceleration is around the core of the jet stream or a jet streak.  These areas have a direct impact on the weather at the surface.  A right jet entrance area and a left jet exit area indicate cyclogenesis at the surface, while a left jet entrance and a right jet exit indicate anticyclonic development at the surface.
exfoliation domeA physical weathering feature associated with granite that is the result of the erosion of overburden material and pressure-release
self-regulationThe ability of some systems to maintain a steady state equilibrium through positive and negative feedbacks.
riparian water rightsthe rights of an owner whose land abuts water
pervious zoneA part of the cross section of an embankment dam comprising material of high permeability.
temperatureTemperature is defined as the measure of the average speed of atoms and molecules
terminateTo reach an end point or line.
sludgesolid matter that settles to the bottom of sedimentation tanks in a sewage treatment plant and must be disposed of by digestion or other methods or recycled to the land.
negative feedbackChange in the state of a system that counteracts the measured effect of the initial alteration.
saturationthe condition of a liquid when it has taken into solution the maximum possible quantity of a given substance at a given temperature and pressure.
denitrificationConversion of nitrates into gaseous nitrogen and nitrous oxide.
observation wellA non-pumping well used for observing the elevation of the water table or piezometric surface.
eruptionthe release of pressure that sends lava, rocks, ash, and gases out of a volcano.
static equilibriumStatic equilibrium occurs where force and reaction are balanced and the properties of the system remain unchanged over time.
gross sediment transportThe total amount of sediment transported along a shoreline in a specific time period.
radiationEnergy that moves through space or a medium in the form of a wave with electric and magnetic fields
rock flourVery finely ground rock fragments that form between the base of a glacier and the underlying bedrock surface.
dendrochronologythe science of studying tree rings
metamorphismProcess that creates metamorphic rocks.
shorelineThe line that separates a land surface from a water body
saltationthe wind-driven movement of particles along the ground and through the air.
surface tensionthe attraction of molecules to each other on a liquid's surface
cation exchange capacityThe capacity of a soil to exchange cations with the soil solution
instantaneous unit hydrographThe theoretical, ideal, unit hydrograph that has a infinitesimal duration.
heat crampsmuscle cramps or spasms, usually afflicting the abdomen or legs, caused by exercising in hot weather.
homosphereThe atmosphere up to 80 km (50 mi) in which the proportions of principal gases, such as oxygen and nitrogen, are constant.
chemosynthesisProcess in which specific autotrophic organisms extract inorganic compounds from their environment and convert them into organic nutrient compounds without the use of sunlight
greenhouse effectWarming of the atmosphere by slowing the release of heat to space, due to greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.
breakerThe quick collapse of an overextended water wave as it approaches the shoreline
extratropical cycloneA cyclone in the middle and high latitudes, often being 2000 kilometers in diameter and usually containing a cold front that extends toward the equator for hundreds of kilometers
ultraviolet radiationElectromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between approximately .2 to .4 microns.
synoptic surveillance trackWeather reconnaissance mission flown to provide vital meteorological information in data-sparse ocean areas as a supplement to existing surface, radar and satellite data
pressureThe force exerted by the interaction of the atmosphere and gravity
altocumulus castellanusA type of altocumulus cloud with tower-like projections that billow upwards from the base of the cloud
prior appropriation doctrinethe system for allocating water to private individuals used in most Western states
mesoscale convective complexA cluster of thunderstorms covering an area of 100,000 kilometers or more
soil organic matterOrganic constituents of soil.
surface impoundmentAn indented area in the land's surface, such as a pit, pond, or lagoon.
knotA unit for the measurement of speed in the nautical system
dead storageThe volume in a reservoir below the lowest controllable level.
rhyoliteA fine grained extrusive igneous rock that is rich in quartz and potassium feldspar
base stationA computer which accepts radio signals from ALERT gaging sites, decodes the data, places the data in a database, and makes the data available to other users.
macronutrientNutritional element required by an organism in relatively large quantities.
depth hoara layer of snow made up of round or cup-shaped crystals that act like ball bearings, allowing the layer of snow on top to slide of easily; also known as sugar snow
transient responsethe short-term response of an instrument caused by a change of status of the instrument's environment
water wellany artificial excavation constructed for the purpose of exploring for or producing ground water.
standard solutionany solution in which the concentration is known.
mapAn abstraction of the real world that is used to depict, analyze, store, and communicate spatially organized information about physical and cultural phenomena.
pressure gradient forcePhase
easy-rower washerLarge plastic, rubber, or metal washer placed between the oar and frame to reduce friction.
argonA colorless, odorless inert gas that is the third most abundant constituent of dry air, comprising 0.93% of the total.
plumethe area taken up by contaminant(s) in an aquifer.
cloudA visible collection of minute particle matter, such as water droplets and/or ice crystals, in the free air
random errorthe difference between the actual and the desired quantity that varies randomly; that is, if a probability distribution of differences is produced, it is the Gaussian error function.
volcanoAn opening in the Earth's crust through which molten magma and gases erupt
prokaryoteOrganisms whose cells have their genetic material in the form of loose strands of DNA found in the cytoplasm
permanent controlA stream gaging control which is substantially unchanging and is not appreciably affected by scour, fill, or backwater.
sediment rating curveNumerical expression or graphical curve that describes the quantitative relationship between stream discharge and the sediment transported by a particular stream.
rangelandLand-use type that supplies vegetation for consumption by grazing and browsing animals
water equivalentThe amount of water, in inches, obtained by melting a snow sample.
heterotrophOrganism that must consume energy rich organic molecules for survival
almanacA book containing a calendar and facts about the weather and general interests.
solar conversion technologiescollective name for all methods for converting the sun's energy into usable energy.
field millInstrument that measures the electric field through the current induced by electrodes moving on it
three-axis stabilizedDone with an internal gyroscope and thrusters
flood loss reduction measuresThe strategy for reducing flood losses
d-ringMetal, D-shaped ring attached to a raft and used to secure frames, lines, rope thwarts, etc.
pitchA section of a rapid steeper than the Surrounding portions; a drop.
reservesamount of a particular resource in known locations that can be extracted at a profit with present technology and prices.
climateA pattern of weather in a region as measured over a long period of time
romlRegional Operations Manual Letter
island arcA line of volcanic islands found of the ocean that have been created by the convergence of two tectonic plates and the subsequent subduction of one of the plates beneath the other
irrigated areaThe gross farm area upon which water is artificially applied for the production of crops, with no reduction for access roads, canals, or farm buildings.
hydroelectric power water usethe use of water in the generation of electricity at plants where the turbine generators are driven by falling water.
biomonitoringa test used to evaluate the relative potency of a chemical by comparing its effect on a living organism with the effect of a standard population on the same type of organism.
hazardous weather outlookA narrative statement produced by the National Weather Service, frequently issued on a routine basis, to provide information regarding the potential of significant weather expected during the next 1 to 5 days.
two-tailed statistical testIs an inferential statistical test where the values for which one can reject the null hypothesis are located either side of the center of the probability distribution.
confined aquiferAquifer between two layers of relatively impermeable earth materials, such as clay or shale.
cirqueGlacially eroded rock basin found on mountains
swellA relatively smooth ocean wave that travels some distance from the area of its generation.
gpsGlobal Position System
thematic mapMap that displays the geographical distribution of one phenomenon or the spatial associations that occur between a few phenomena
magma plumeA rising vertical mass of magma originating from the mantle.
diurnalDaily, pertaining to actions completed within or that recur every 24 hours.
potential energyIs the energy that a body possesses by virtue of its position and that is potentially transformable into another form of energy.
sweSnow Water Equivalent
ahosAutomatic Hydrologic Observing System
moneraGroup, at the kingdom level, in the classification of life
intercepting drainA drain constructed at the upper end of the area to be drained, to intercept surface or ground water flowing toward the protected area from higher ground, and carry it away from the area
thermokarstLandscape dominated by depressions, pits, and caves that is created by the thawing of ground ice in high latitude locations
ebris flowA type of mass movement where there is a downslope flow of a saturated mass of soil, sediment, and rock debris.
dispersionThe process in which white light separates into its component colors.
utc  Abbreviation for Universal Time Coordinated and formerly known as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
system stateCurrent value of a system's elements, attributes, and/or relationships.
variableSomething that changes; a quantity that increases or decreases.
intertropical convergence zoneThe axis dividing the southeast trades from the northeast trades, toward which the surface winds tend to converge
fertilizerSubstance that adds inorganic or organic nutrients to soil for the purpose of increasing the growth of crops, trees, or other vegetation.
meridional flowA type of atmospheric circulation pattern in which the north and south component of motion is unusually pronounced
permafrostZone of permanently frozen water found in high latitude soils and sediments
reflectionThe process in which energy incident on the surface is turned back into the medium through which it originated.
acequiaacequias are gravity-driven waterways, similar in concept to a flume
groundwater storagethe storage of water in groundwater reservoirs.
lithificationProcess by which sediments are consolidated into sedimentary rock.
angle of reposeangle at which material will remain stable
galleryA passageway within the body of a dam or abutment.
plantsIn this interaction, one species produces and releases of chemical substances that inhibit the growth of another species.
engineer's levelA telescope which is attached to a spirit-tube level, all revolving around a vertical axis and is mounted on a tripod
gradientThe slope of a river expressed in feet per mile.
lanLocal Area Network
reflectancethe fraction or percent of a particular frequency or wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that is reflected from the surface of a substance without being absorbed or transmitted.
kinetic energyThe energy due to motion.
blooma proliferation of algae and/or higher aquatic plants in a body of water; often related to pollution or excessive nutrients, especially when they accelerate growth.
lysimeterMeteorological instrument used to measure potential and actual evapotranspiration.
albedoThe fraction or percent of radiation striking a surface that is reflected by that surface.
fallsA drop over which the water falls free at least part of the way.
phase changeReorganization of a substance at the atomic or molecular level resulting in a change of the physical state of matter
lagLowest adjacent grade (to a structure)
kmKilometers
rhumb lineA line of constant compass direction or bearing which crosses the meridians at the same angle
horizonThe distant line along which the earth and sky appear to meet
columnar iceIce consisting of columnar shaped grain
chaffSmall strips of metal foil, usually dropped in large quantities from aircraft or balloons in order to confuse enemy radar
anvilThey usually appear on the upwind side of a back-sheared anvil, and indicate rapid expansion of the anvil due to the presence of a very strong updraft
latitudeThe location north or south in reference to the equator, which is designated at 0 degrees
solar absorbera sheet of material, usually copper, aluminum, or steel that forms the surface of a solar collector
pressure or atmospheric pressureThe force exerted on an area by the weight of the atmosphere overhead.
oceanic ridgeA volcanic mountain chain formed at the boundary between two oceanic tectonic plates.
freezing rainSupercooled raindrops that freeze on contact with cold surfaces.
continuous permafrostForm of permafrost that exists across a landscape as an unbroken layer.
reflected infrared radiationForm of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 0.7 to 3.0 micrometers (µm).
potential energyThe energy an object has by virtue of its position.
effluent seepageDiffuse discharge of ground water to the ground surface.
littoral transportThe process of sediment moving along a coastline
teleconnectionLinkage between changes in atmospheric circulation occurring in widely separated parts of the globe.
results actGovernment Performance and Results Act
wet suitA close-fitting garment of neoprene foam that provides thermal insulation in cold water.
scatteredIndividual features that are widely distributed in extent and are likely to affect the area frequently.
hydraulic headIn hydrologic terms, (1) The height of the free surface of a body of water above a given point beneath the surface
heat advisoryIt’s issued within 12 hours of the onset of the following conditions: a heat index of at least 105 degrees but less than 115 degrees for less than 3 hours per day or if nighttime lows remain above 80 degrees for 2 consecutive days.
spreading centerAn area where two plates are pulling away from each other
polycyclic landformLandform that shows the repeated influence of one or more major geomorphic processes over geological time
occludedClosed up or blocked off.
flood problemsProblems and damages that occur during a flood as a result of human development and actions
isobarA line on a weather chart showing places having the same atmospheric pressure at the same time.
hydrographA graph showing the water level (stage), discharge, or other property of a river volume with respect to time.
hydrolysisChemical weathering process that involves the reaction between mineral ions and the ions of water (OH- and H+), and results in the decomposition of the rock surface by forming new compounds, and by increasing the pH of the solution involve through the release of the hydroxide ions.
mudstoneFine grained sedimentary rock composed of lithified silt and clay particles.
tornado alleyA geographic corridor in the United States which stretches north from Texas to Nebraska and Iowa
rockslidea cascade of rocks (of any size) down a steep slope at high speeds.
convergenceThis is an area where winds/windfields converge
hypothesisA tentative assumption that is made for the purpose of empirical scientific testing
homosphereThe lower layer in a two part classification of the atmosphere based on the general homogeneity of chemical composition
cindersnut-sized pieces of red or black lava containing bubble-like cavities known as vesicles
wet floodproofingAn approach to floodproofing which usually is a last resort
dischargethe volume of water that passes a given point within a given period of time
plagioclase feldsparA type of feldspar that is rich in sodium and calcium
auroraIt is created by the radiant energy emission from the sun and its interaction with the earth's upper atmosphere over the middle and high latitudes
cleatA fitting, typically with projecting ends, that holds a line against the tension from the sails, rigging or mooring.
lightusually the visual portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between infrared (about 8000 Angstroms or 800 nanometers(nm)) and ultraviolet (about 4,000 Angstroms or 400 nm); however, the term is sometimes used as a synonym for all electromagnetic radiation.
pathogenmicroorganisms which can cause disease.
sludge digestertank in which complex organic substances like sewage sludge are biologically dredged
inconstantLikely to change frequently without apparent reason.
detritus food chainModel describing the conversion of organic energy in a community or ecosystem into inorganic elements and compounds through decomposition
state revolving fundsa program, capitalized in part by federal funds, that provides low-interest loans for construction of publicly owned wastewater treatment and water recycling facilities, for implementation of nonpoint source and storm drainage pollution control management programs, and for the development and implementation of estuary conservation and management programs.
hydrologic equationThe water inventory equation (Inflow = Outflow + Change in Storage) which expresses the basic principle that during a given time interval the total inflow to an area must equal the total outflow plus the net change in storage.
forceThe mass of an object multiplied by the change in its speed and/or direction (acceleration).
barotropicA barotropic atmosphere is one in which the pressure depends only on the density and vice versa, so that isobaric surfaces (constant pressure surfaces) are also isopycnic surfaces (constant density surfaces).
compoundA compound is the atoms of different elements joined together.
headthe pressure of a fluid owing to its elevation, usually expressed in feet of head or in pounds per square inch, since a measure of fluid pressure is the height of a fluid column above a given or known point.
eifEnhanced IFLOWS Format
hydraulic mean depthThe right cross-sectional area of a stream of water divided by the length of that part of its periphery in contact with its containing conduit; the ratio of area to wetted perimeter
mollisolsSoil order (type) of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Classification System
valveA device fitted to a pipeline or orifice in which the closure member is either rotated or moved in some way as to control or stop flow.
emergency broadcast systemA system designed to permit government officials to issue up-to-date and continuous emergency information and instructions to the public in a threatened or actual emergency.
computeTo determine by mathematical means.
fishGroup of vertebrate animals that inhabit aquatic habitats.
critical low flowlow flow conditions below which some standards do not apply
vested water rightthe right granted by a state water agency to use either surface or ground water.
gene poolSum total of all the genes found in the individuals of the population of a particular species.
cirrusA high cloud composed of ice crystals in the form of thin, white, featherlike clouds in patches, filaments, or narrow bands.
symmetryClose agreement in size, shape, and relative position of parts arranged on opposite sides of a dividing line.
desert pavementA veneer of coarse particles left on the ground after the erosion of finer particles by wind.
standard deviationA statistical measure of the dispersion of observation values in a data set
asthenospherethe hot top part of the earth's mantle, just under the crust
divergenceThe expansion or spreading out of a vector field; usually said of winds
basin boundaryThe topographic dividing line around the perimeter of a basin, beyond which overland flow (i.e.; runoff) drains away into another basin.
windbreakrow of trees or shrubs placed in a farm field to slow the wind and keep it from blowing.
phylogenic classificationClassification of organisms based on genetic connections between other species.
parallelA line parallel to the equator and connecting all places of the same latitude.
ozone layerAtmospheric concentration of ozone found at an altitude of 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface
non-ionizing radiationA form of electromagnetic radiation that does not have enough energy to cause ionization of atoms in living tissue
basket boatA 10-man size military-surplus raft-constructed of an upper and a lower buoyancy tube; the upper tube flares outward, giving the boat a bowl- or basket-like appearance.
mesoscale convective systemA term often used to describe a cluster of thunderstorms that does not meet the size, duration, or shape criteria of an MCC
stratigraphySubdiscipline of geology that studies sequence, spacing, composition, and spatial distribution of sedimentary deposits and rocks.
shuttleThe process of moving vehicles from the put-in to the take-out or trip members in the reverse direction
predationBiological interaction between species where a predator species consumes a prey species.