1.a. water supports life on Earth and moves between the land, oceans and atmosphere.

Question 1

The importance of water in supporting life on the planet, the uses of water for humans, flora and fauna

Answer 1

Regulates atmospheric temperatures
- water vapour is a GHG -> increasing surface temp
- clouds reflect radiation -> decreasing surface temp

65-95% of living things
- medium for chemical reactions e.g. respiration and photosynthesis
- gives plants rigidity and transports minerals

economic activities
e.g. domestic, industrial and agricultural uses

Question 2

water cycles between the land, oceans and atmosphere through open and closed systems

Answer 2

The global water cycle-
the way in which water is transferred and recycled around our planet -> and exchanged between land, sea and atmosphere
- is a closed system
- 97% of water is stored in oceans

The local water cycle (a drainage basin)-
an area of land around a river -> where any water that falls on that land will eventually drain into that river
- is an open system (receives inputs and outputs of water + energy)

Inputs- the way in which water will enter a system
e.g. precipitation

Flows/transfers- the way in which water moves from one store to another
e.g. groundwater flow

Stores- the way in which water is stored for a period of time
e.g. river channel

Outputs- the way in which water will leave a system
e.g. evapotranspiration