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Nitric Oxide: (NO) A gas formed of nitrogen and oxygen when com- Toox ra�Y Configuration of a surface including its relief and busticn takes place under high temperature and high pressure, position of natural and man-made features. as in internal combustion engines. NO is not itself a pollutant; however, in the ambient air, it converts to nitrogen dioxide, INT: Abbreviation for vehicle miles traveled, representing average a major contributor to photochemical smog, which can result in eye daily traffic at any particular Section of road multiplied by the irritation, aerosol formation and plant damage. distance of that segment of road. Nitrogen Diode: (NO2) A compound produced by the oxidation of Water Table: The upper surface of groundwater. nitric oxide rxin the atmosphere: a major contributor to photo- chemical smog, which can result in eye irritation, aerosol formation Weathering: Combined action of all processes whereby rock is decom- and plant damage. posed and disintegrated because of exposure at or near the earth's surface. Node: A geographical point at which roads or other linear features end,originate, or intersect. Williamson Act: See California Land Conservation Act. Noise: Any sound which is undesirable because it interferes with. Perched Water Table: Groundwater pocket that cannot seep to a lower speech and hearing, or 1s intense enough to damage hearing, or is water table or below a certain level due to the impenetrable matter otherwise annoying. Nolte, simply, is 'unwanted sound.' underneath. Overdraft: Removal of water from an underground source at a rate Percolation: The downward movement of water through soil, rock and higher than replenishment. other matter. Oxidation: Chemical process of combining oxygen with other elements permeability: The ease with which gases, liquids, or plant roots such as minerals which change the features or properties of the penetrate or pass through a hulk mass of soil or a layer of soil. minerals. Oxidant; Substances containing oxygen that react chemically in the Photochemical Oxidants: Secondary pollutants formed by the action ear to produce new substances. Such substances contribute to smog. of sunlight on the oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons in the air; they are the primary contributors to photochemical smog. Oxides, A combination of oxygen and some other chemical element. photochemical Smog: ' Air pollution associated with sunlight reaction Parent Material: The unconsolidated and weathered mineral or organic or oproduce rather than with sulfur oxides, particulates, etc. Can produce toys, chlorosis and growth alterations in plants and an matter that makes up pant of a soil. eye and respiratory irritant in humane. particulate: Finely divided solid or liquid particles in the air pollutant: Any introduced gas, liquid or solid that diminishes the or in an emission. Particulatea include dust, smoke fume, mist, suitability of a resource for a specific purpose. spray and tog. PPM: An abbreviation which stanch for parts per million, generally Pollution: The presence of matter or energy whose nature, location. w used in determining the quantity of a pollutant in another sub- or quantity produces undesired environmental effects. stance such as air or water. Rare Species: A species of animal or plant which is not presently peat: Unconsolidated soil material consisting largely of decomposing threatened with extinction but is in such small numbers throughout oigenie matter under conditions of excessive moisture. its range that it may be endangered if its environmental conditions deteriorate. sedimentation: Deposit of small particles carried by water. Reclamation: Irrigation or other methods by which land which is Seismic: Caused by or subject to earthquakes or earth vibrations. unfarmable or marginally farmable becomes more productive. Rehabilitation: The process by which unsafe or dilapidated residential, Sig ni Eicant Effect: Both beneficial and detrimental impacts on commercial, industrial, or public structures are brought up to build- the en•:ironment. Includes environmental consequences of both a ing code standards. primary and a secondary nature. May include, but is not limited to, significant changes in the region's air, water, and land Riparian: Pertaining to vegetation and wildlife that lives alongside resources. or in streams or bodies of water. Soil: The unconsolidated mineral and organic material on the Riparian Habitat: A type of environment that is dependent on streams immediate surface of the earth created by natural forest that or other bodies of water and which promotes wide varieties of vege- serves as a natural medium for growing land plants. tation and wildlife. Soil Liquefaction: A phenomenon in which saturated cohesionless Runoff: That portion of rain or snow which does not percolate into soil temporarily loses its strength when subject to dynamic lateral the ground and is discharged into streams instead. or vertical forces, such as earthquakes. Recent Geologic Time: Post glacial period within the last 10,000 years. Soil Profile: Description of depth and composition of Soil layers. Salt Water Intrusion: Subsurface influx of salt water into fresh water standard P oject Flood: Aflood which may be expected from the most caused by overdraft pumping of fresh water allowing salt water to severe combination of meteorological and hydrological conditions. seep into fresh water pockets. 5'at ions ry So•ame Pollution: Consnonly air or water pollution Scenic Route: A highway, road, drive, or street which in addition to that is pro=aced at a specific locationits transportation function, provides opportunities for enjoyment of natural and man-made scenic resources where aeathatic values are pzo- Storie Index_: A rating of soils denoting their ability to raise tected and enhanced through official 'scenic route' designation. crops based onprofile, texture, slope, and modifying features wit*.out consideration of agricultural practices to increase Soil suitability.