and precipitation. In most places, weather can change from hour to hour, day to
day, and season to season. Climate in a narrow sense is usually defined as the
“average weather,” or more rigorously, as the statistical description in terms of the
mean and variability of relevant quantities over a period of time ranging from
months to thousands or millions of years. The classical period is 30 years, as
defined by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). These quantities are
most often surface variables such as temperature, precipitation, and wind. Climate
in a wider sense is the state, including a statistical description, of the climate
system. A simple way of remembering the difference is that climate is what you
expect (e.g. cold winters) and “weather” is what you get (e.g., a blizzard).
Weir A wall or plate placed in an open channel and used to measure the flow of
water. The depth of the flow over the weir can be used to calculate the flow rate,
or a chart or conversion table may be used.
Wet bulb temperature The temperature measured by an ordinary thermometer as a
thin film of water on the thermometer is evaporated into a surrounding air stream.
Wet infrastructure It is the spectrum of water-related infrastructures relating to
potable water supply, wastewater treatment, resources recovery, water storage,
water resource management, flood management, coastal restoration, hydropower,
and renewable energy facilities.
Wet oxidation A method of treating or conditioning sludge before the water is
removed. Compressed air is blown into the sludge; the air and sludge mixture is
fed into a pressure vessel where the organic material is stabilized.
Wet well A compartment or tank in which wastewater is collected. The suction pipe
of a pump may be connected to the wet well or a submersible pump may be
located in the wet well.
Winter storm A weather event resulting from low temperatures that can include
extreme low temperatures, strong winds, and precipitation like snow, sleet, and
ice.
Worker bee It is a female bee with undeveloped reproductive organ; the majority
of the honey bees in a colony are worker bees, and they do all the work in the
colony except laying fertile eggs. The worker honey bees visit flowers to obtain
nectar and pollen as their food, and construct the waxy combs made from
secretions of the wax glands. The worker bees tend the eggs and larvae as well
as feed the queen and carry away the eggs produced by the queen.
Workshop A type of training focused on increased participant interaction and
achieving or building a product (e.g., plans, policies). A workshop is typically
used to test new ideas, processes, or procedures; train groups in coordinated
activities; and obtain consensus. Workshops often use breakout sessions to
explore parts of an issue with smaller groups.
XRD analysis A technique can provide both qualitative and quantitative information on the phases in a tested sample.
Zoogleal mass Jelly-like masses of bacteria found in both the trickling filter and
activated sludge processes.
12 Glossary of Natural Resources and Environmental Pollution Control
493
day, and season to season. Climate in a narrow sense is usually defined as the
“average weather,” or more rigorously, as the statistical description in terms of the
mean and variability of relevant quantities over a period of time ranging from
months to thousands or millions of years. The classical period is 30 years, as
defined by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). These quantities are
most often surface variables such as temperature, precipitation, and wind. Climate
in a wider sense is the state, including a statistical description, of the climate
system. A simple way of remembering the difference is that climate is what you
expect (e.g. cold winters) and “weather” is what you get (e.g., a blizzard).
Weir A wall or plate placed in an open channel and used to measure the flow of
water. The depth of the flow over the weir can be used to calculate the flow rate,
or a chart or conversion table may be used.
Wet bulb temperature The temperature measured by an ordinary thermometer as a
thin film of water on the thermometer is evaporated into a surrounding air stream.
Wet infrastructure It is the spectrum of water-related infrastructures relating to
potable water supply, wastewater treatment, resources recovery, water storage,
water resource management, flood management, coastal restoration, hydropower,
and renewable energy facilities.
Wet oxidation A method of treating or conditioning sludge before the water is
removed. Compressed air is blown into the sludge; the air and sludge mixture is
fed into a pressure vessel where the organic material is stabilized.
Wet well A compartment or tank in which wastewater is collected. The suction pipe
of a pump may be connected to the wet well or a submersible pump may be
located in the wet well.
Winter storm A weather event resulting from low temperatures that can include
extreme low temperatures, strong winds, and precipitation like snow, sleet, and
ice.
Worker bee It is a female bee with undeveloped reproductive organ; the majority
of the honey bees in a colony are worker bees, and they do all the work in the
colony except laying fertile eggs. The worker honey bees visit flowers to obtain
nectar and pollen as their food, and construct the waxy combs made from
secretions of the wax glands. The worker bees tend the eggs and larvae as well
as feed the queen and carry away the eggs produced by the queen.
Workshop A type of training focused on increased participant interaction and
achieving or building a product (e.g., plans, policies). A workshop is typically
used to test new ideas, processes, or procedures; train groups in coordinated
activities; and obtain consensus. Workshops often use breakout sessions to
explore parts of an issue with smaller groups.
XRD analysis A technique can provide both qualitative and quantitative information on the phases in a tested sample.
Zoogleal mass Jelly-like masses of bacteria found in both the trickling filter and
activated sludge processes.
12 Glossary of Natural Resources and Environmental Pollution Control
493