Hydrological Cycle Flashcards
What is the hydrological system?
It is a closed system in continual circulation. It describes the continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of the Earth.
What is a closed system?
A closed system means there is a definite amount of water in the system and therefore the total amount of water does not change.
What powers the hydrological system and how do these powers influence the system?
Powered by solar energy and gravitational potential energy.
Solar energy causes evaporation which leads to condensation and then precipitation.
GPE keeps water moving through the system.
What is a rock containing groundwater called?
Give three examples of this rock.
Aquifers.
Sandstone, limestone and chalk
What is a water table?
It describes the boundary between water-saturated ground and unsaturated ground.
Name 5 water stores:
Oceans Icecaps Rivers and lakes Atmospheric moisture Soil moisture
Explain the pro’s and cons of the oceans as a water store.
Pro’s:
- large store of water
- hold lots of marine life
- where a lot of precipitation goes
- salty water therefore not for human consumption
Explain the pro’s and cons of Icecaps.
Pro’s:
- part of thermohaline circulation
- total water % is high so reliable
Cons:
- have to wait for it to melt
- heavily influenced by climate change
Explain the pro’s and cons of Ricers and Lakes:
Pro’s:
- used for irrigation
- recreational use for them
Cons:
- short residence time so unreliable
- unconsumable
Explain the pro’s and cons of Atmospheric Moisture.
Pro’s:
- holding moistures which is important to cycle
- supplies water that goes to other stores
Cons:
- not of any use to us
- unreliable due to short residence
Explain the pro’s and cons of soil moisture.
Pro’s:
- important for plant growth
- grow trees which become carbon stores for the world - improve quality of air
- dictate which crops can grow
Cons:
- not enough can cause drought and desertification.
