The uppermost zone in the Soil Profile, from which soluble Salts and Colloids are leached, and in which organic matter has accumulated. Generally this represents the most fertile soil layer. Along with the B-Horizon, this layer constitutes part of the Zone of Eluviation.
A POSTERIORI CLASSIFICATION
A classification made based upon the results of experimentation.
A PRIORI CLASSIFICATION
A classification made prior to experimentation.
ABANDONED WATER RIGHT
A water right which has not been put to Beneficial Use for generally five or more years, in which the owner of the water right states that the water right will not be used, or takes such actions that would prevent the water from being beneficially used. Compare to Forfeited Water Right.
ABANDONED WELL
A well which is no longer used or a well removed from service; a well whose use has been permanently discontinued or which is in a state of such disrepair that it cannot be used for its intended purpose. Generally, abandoned wells will be filled with concrete or cement grout to protect groundwater from waste and contamination.
ABANDONMENT
Failure to put a water right to Beneficial Use for generally five or more years, in which the owner of the water right states that the water right will not be used, or takes such actions that would prevent the water from being beneficially used. Also see Abandoned Water Right.
ABANDONMENT OF A DAM
In a legal sense, abandonment is most precisely described as transfer of all rights, title and interest in a dam to the current property owner. Abandonment may also involve the slow but resolute erosion of rights to a dam by non-use, physical destruction, lack of maintenance or intent of same. In this latter instance the final determination of legal abandonment can only be decided by the court holding jurisdiction.
ABIOSESTON
Nonliving components of the seston.
ABATEMENT
Reducing the degree or intensity of, or eliminating, pollution, as a water pollution abatement program.
ABIOTA
Those non-living factors which are present in and affect the characteristics of a given ecosystem.
