Nova Scotia has no shortage of fresh water. Frequent coastal fog, cloudy days and cool summers combine to moderate evapotranspiration. The result is a humid, modified-continental climate with a moisture surplus. Large areas of impermeable rock and thin soils and the effect of glaciation have influenced surface drainage, resulting in a multitude of bogs, small lakes and a dense network of small streams. Groundwater quality and quantity vary according to the type of geology in different parts of the province. The following topics describe the cycle of water and the various environments and forms in which it manifests itself. Fresh water as a resource is discussed in T12.8.

Table T8.1.1 shows the characteristics of the primary watersheds in the province.

This Document Includes:

The Hydrologic Cycle
Watersheds
Water Budget
Discharge Patterns
Streamflow
Groundwater Processes (Subsurface Flow)

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Additional Keywords:
precipitation, evapotranspiration, infiltration, aquifers, water table, runoff, Shubenacadie Canal, limnology, hydrogeology, drainage basin

Associated Topics:

T3.2 Ancient Drainage Patterns
T5.1 The Dynamics of Nova Scotiašs Climate
T5.2 Nova Scotia's Climate
T6.1 Ocean Currents
T6.2 Oceanic Environments
T8.2 Freshwater Environments
T8.3 Freshwater Wetlands
T11.5 Freshwater Wetland Birds and Waterfowl
T11.13 Freshwater Fishes
T11.15 Amphibians and Reptiles
T11.16 Land and Freshwater Invertebrates
T12.8 Fresh Water and Resources

Associated Habitats:

H3 Freshwater
H4 Freshwater Wetlands