Hydrosphere Flashcards
Is the global hydrological cycle a closed or open system?
The global hydrological cycle is a closed system which mean there are no inputs or outputs. Water constantly moves around within our planet and can take the form of a liquid, gas (vapour) or a solid (ice)
What are the inputs into a drainage basin
The only input is precipitation
What are the different transfers/flows in a Drainage basin?
Interception, Infiltration, Percolation, Surface Run-off, throughflow, Groundwater flow and River Channel flow.
What are the different storage places for water in a Drainage Basin ?
Surface Storage - Lakes and Reservoirs, Ice and Snow
Soil Moisture storage
Groundwater
What are the outputs in a Drainage basin?
Transpiration
Evaporation
The Main output in Water returned to sea by the river
Drainage Basin Movement
The only input into a Drainage Basin system is precipitation. When rainfall is stopped from reaching the ground by vegetation, this is called Interception. Water can be stored as snow and ice, especially in upland areas where it is colder. Water can also be stored in lakes and pools. Water that infiltrates down through soil can be stored as soil moisture. When water percolates down through rock it is stored underground as groundwater. Water flowing overland in Streams and rivers is called Surface run-off. Water moving sideways through soil is called throughflow. Water flowing very slowly deep is called groundwater flow. The biggest output is water being carried by rivers to the sea. Water can also leave a drainage basin when it is evaporated from lakes and rivers. Through transpiration water is released by vegetation back into the atmosphere as water vapour.
