definitions enviromental science

definitions enviromental science

1. erosion

   • the process of eroding of being eroded by water, wind or other natural agents.

2. ground water

   • is water found underground in the cracks and spaces of soil, sand and rocks

3. salinity

   • is the saltiness or dissolved salt content of body of water

4. humus

   • the organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant materials by soil microorganisms.

5. top soil

   • the top layer of soil

6. soil profile

   • is a vertical cross section from surface down to the parent materials. this shows distinct layers of years

7. pores

   • an area within soil occupied by ethier air or water, resulting from the arrangements of individual soil particules.

8. leached

   • natural process by which water soluble substances are washed out from soil or wastes . these leached out chemicals cause pollution of surface water

9. trace elements

   • a chemical element present only in minute amounts in a particular sample or enviroment.

10. eutrophication

    • excessive richness of nutrients in a lake or other bodies of water. frequently due to run off from the land.

11. symbosis

    • interaction between two diffrent organisms living in close physical association. typically to the advantage of both.

12. soil structure

    • refers to the arrangement of soil seperates into units called soil aggregates. an aggregate possesses solids and pore space.