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