1.1.1 - Water & Carbon Cycles

Question 1

Percolation

Answer 1

Downward movement of water into the ground

Question 2

Infiltration

Answer 2

Water seeping into cracks in soil and rocks

Question 3

Through-water flow

Answer 3

Water flowing downhill within the top surface soil

Question 4

Groundwater flow

Answer 4

Water flowing deep underground

Question 5

Water table

Answer 5

Boundary between the surface soil and where groundwater begins to

Question 6

Surface runoff

Answer 6

Precipitation that is running over the surface

Question 7

Interception

Answer 7

When precipitation is interrupted by trees and leaves in the water cycle

Question 8

Stores

Answer 8

Build up of matter/energy

Question 9

Transfers

Answer 9

Movement of matter/energy

Question 10

Inputs

Answer 10

Matter/energy is added to the system

Question 11

Outputs

Answer 11

Matter/energy leaves the system

Question 12

Boundary

Answer 12

The limits of the system

Question 13

Factors Affecting Flooding (6)

Answer 13

-River discharge increases
-High volume of water in short time
-Human activity
-Relief (steep or shallow land)
-Impermeable surfaces
-Size of river basin

Question 14

Is the hydrologic cycle an open or closed system?

Answer 14

Closed

Question 15

What is condensation?

Answer 15

Clouds

Question 16

Ocean -> Clouds

Answer 16

Evaporation

Question 17

Clouds -> Ocean

Answer 17

Precipitation

Question 18

Plants -> Sky

Answer 18

Transpiration

Question 19

Clouds -> Land

Answer 19

Precipitation

Question 20

Define carbon

Answer 20

Carbon is an important natural element that all life on Earth needs to survive. Carbon recycles itself in all Earth’s systems. It is found in organic matter (life) and inorganic stores (rocks, gases, fossil fuels)

Question 21

Define phytoplankton

Answer 21

Microscopic organisms that live in watery environments, both salty and fresh. Responsible for most of the transfer of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to ocean.

Question 22

Define deep ocean currents

Answer 22

Colder water is further beneath sea level, and cold water absorbs more carbon that warm water.

Question 23

How much carbon does soil/organic matter contain?

Answer 23

60%

Question 24

Combustion

Answer 24

Burning of organic material

Question 25

Define rock cycle

Answer 25

Formation of rock (takes 1000 years)

Question 26

Define diffusion

Answer 26

Carbon is released, diffuses into the atmosphere, spreads around

Question 27

List 8 ways that have caused the carbon cycle to change

Answer 27

• Volcanic activity
• Combustion
• Deforestation
• Ice melting
• Animals (cows flatulence)
• Solar outputs (sunspots, orbital changes)
• Agriculture
• Industry/cars