3.1.1 - Systems and mass balance Flashcards
1
Q
Global scale
A
Closed system
2
Q
Local scale
A
Open system
3
Q
Mass balance
A
Total amount of water always conserved
4
Q
How much water is in the oceans?
A
97%
2/3 of the planet
5
Q
Long term change
A
- Plate tectonics
- Milankovitch cycles
- Glacial and inter-glacial epochs
6
Q
Artic permafrost reduction
A
- Eroded 1/2 metre each year
- Releases sediment and transfers carbon from long term carbon store
- Longer ice free periods
- Sea level rise
7
Q
Seasonal change cryosphere storage - SIERRA NEVADA ICEPACK
A
Accumulation = Build up of snow and ice
Ablation = Change from solid ice to liquid or water vapour
8
Q
Seasonal change in rainfall - MANGALORE MONSOON
A
Monsoons.
Mangalore = 2/3 of years rainfall in just 3 months.
9
Q
Year to year climatic and rainfall variability - ENSO
A
Increased rainfall or drought.
10
Q
Long term change in rainfall and aridity - CLIMATE CHANGE
A
Change in rainfall patterns.
E.g. long term reduction in Sahel region.
