1.1 Drainage Basin Systems Flashcards
What is a drainage basin?
The area of land drained by a river and its tributaries
What does a system consist of?
Stores, flows inputs, processes and outputs
Whats the difference between a closed and open system?
A closed system has nothing loss or gained as outputs become inputs whereas outputs are loss and new inputs go in
Define evaporation
The process by which water changes from liquid to gas due to heat energy from the sun.
Define evapotranspiration
The combined process of evaporation from water bodies and soil, plus transpiration from plants.
Define interception
The capture of precipitation by vegetation and buildings before it reaches the ground.
Define Soil Water
Moisture held within the soil pores, available for plant use.
Define surface Water
Water stored in lakes, rivers, ponds, and puddles on the Earth’s surface.
Define Ground Water
Water stored in permeable rock layers underground (aquifers).
Define Through fall
The process where rainwater drips through leaves and branches to the ground.
Define Stemflow
The movement of water down the stems and trunks of vegetation to reach the ground.
Define Overland Flow (Surface Runoff)
The movement of water across the ground surface when infiltration capacity is exceeded.
Define Channel Flow
The movement of water within river channels towards the river mouth.
Define Infiltration
The process by which water enters the soil from the surface.
Define Percolation
The movement of infiltrated water deeper into the soil and rock layers.
Define Through-flow
The lateral movement of water through the soil, parallel to the surface.
Define Groundwater Flow
The movement of water through underground rock formations.
Define Water Table
The upper level of saturated rock or soil where groundwater is stored.
What is Saturation?
A rocks ability to absorb additional water.
What is Porosity?
The open space (pores) in rock or soil that can hold water.
What is Permeability?
The ability of soil or rock to allow water to pass through it.
