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Glossary V

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Valley
A low place between mountains. (see more about valleys)

Valley Glacier
glacier that forms in a mountain valley (a type of Alpine glacier)

Vapor (water)
Water in the gaseous state.

Varmint Rifle (hunting)
A sporting rifle with a heavy barrel, designed for long-range small-game hunting, firing high-velocity, flat-trajectory bullets.

Vegetation
A general term for all of the plants or plant life of a particular region.

Velocity
The speed of movement of an object in one direction.

Velocity Zone (V-Zone) (ocean)
A zone subject to velocity-water flooding during storms that have a 100-year recurrence interval. In coastal areas the V-Zone generally extneds inland to the point where the 100-year flood depth is insufficient to support a 3-foot high breaking wave.

Venin
Snake venom poison.

Venom
A poison, particularly one secreted by an animal.

Venomous
Full of venom. Having venom, like some snakes and insects.

Ventilation
A means of removing body moisture to prevent condensation buildup inside your shelter.

Ventral Fin
The fin on the anterior or lower surface of a fish – opposite the back.

Vertebrate
Animal that does have a backbone. Also see invertebrate.

Vestibule
A covered area outside a tent door. Vestibules are usually found on backpacking tents and are used to store wet clothes or extra gear.

Viscosity
The amount of the resistance to flow in a fluid due to intermolecular friction.

Vitals (hunting)
The region inside the chest cavity of a big game animal where, if a bullet is delivered from a proper big-game rifle or bow, the animal should not survive.

Volatilization
The process where a solid or liquid substance is converted into a gas.

Volcanic Ash
Small sized particles ejected from explosive volcanoes.

Volcanic Plume
The cloud of gases and solids ejected into the atmosphere from a volcano and then carried by the wind.

Volcano
A cone shaped mountain formed out of rock or ash thrown up from inside the earth, frequently with an opening or depression at the top.

Vole
A small, mouse-like rodents that are generally darker in color and have shorter tails than mice. The meadow vole is a common prey species for foxes and coyotes.

Vortex
A rapid spiraling motion of air or liquid around a center of rotation.

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