1.4 The water cycle Flashcards
Define Open System.
A system in which material can either be lost or gained (local water cycle).
Define Closed System.
A system in which material is neither being created or lost (global water cycle).
Describe the process of the water cycle.
Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation, Interception, Infiltration, Surface run-off, Through-flow, Groundwater flow, the Transpiration.
Define Condensation.
The process by which liquid turns to gas.
Define Precipitation.
Water that falls to the ground as rain, snow, hail or sleet.
Define Interception.
The blocking of rainfall by vegetation prevents it from reaching the ground.
Define Infiltration.
The movement of water into the soil from the surface.
Define Surface run-off.
The draining away of water as overland water flow.
Define Through-flow.
The lateral transfer of water downslope through the soil.
Define Groundwater flow.
Water which flows under the ground until it reaches the surface, often through boreholes or wells.
Define Transpiration.
Water that is lost through the leaves of plants. (Leaves take in the water).
Define Evaporation.
The process by which liquid water turns into gas.
