Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Wetland Ecology

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Water Resources 1. Precipitation vs. Condensation While precipitation refers to the process of water falling from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, condensation is the transformation of water vapor into liquid. Remember, precipitation is the 'coming down' of water, while condensation is the 'formation' of liquid. 2. Groundwater vs. Surface Water Groundwater is the water present beneath the Earth's surface, often stored in aquifers. On the other hand, surface water is visible, like rivers, lakes, and streams. Both sources are vital for various purposes, but they require different management strategies. 3. Infiltration vs. Runoff When water seeps into the ground, it's called infiltration. Runoff, however, occurs when water flows over the surface, often due to excess precipitation. Balancing infiltration and runoff is crucial for maintaining water availability and preventing floods. 4. Evaporation vs. Transpiration Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor from surfaces like lakes or oceans. Transpiration, on the other hand, is the release of water vapor from plants. Both contribute to the water cycle and are influenced by factors like temperature and humidity. 5. Desalination vs. Purification