Water Erosion and Deposition

Runoff

Water that doesn't soak or evaporate but instead flows across Earth's surface.

Channel

Groove created by water moving down the same path.

Sheet Erosion

A type of surface water erosion caused by runoff that occurs when water flowing as sheets picks up sediments and carries them away.

Drainage Basin

Land area from which a river or stream collects runoff.

Meander

Broad, c-shaped curve in a river or stream, formed by erosion of its outer bank.

Groundwater

Water that soaks into the ground and collects in pores and empty spaces.

Permeable

Describes soil and rock with connecting pores through which water can flow.

Impermeable

Describes materials that water cannot pass through.

Aquifer

Layer of permeable rock that allows water to flow through.

Water Table

Upper surface of the zone of saturation.

Spring

Forms when water table meets Earth's surface.

Geyser

Hot spring that erupts periodically and shoots water and steam into the air.

Cave

Underground opening that can form when acidic groundwater dissolves limestone

Longshore Current

Current that runs parallel to the shoreline, is caused by waves colliding with the shore at slight angles, and moves tons of sediment.

Beach

Deposit of sediment whose materials vary in size, color, and composition, and is most commonly found on a smooth, gently sloped shoreline.