Hydrosphere Terminology

Question 1

Tributary

Answer 1

A Tributary is a
stream or smaller
river that flows
into a larger one.

Question 2

Precipitation

Answer 2

The main input is through precipitation (rain and snow)

Question 3

Evaporation

Answer 3

Water vapour can be evaporated from the sea due to heat from
the sun.

Question 4

Transpiration

Answer 4

Transpiration is when water vapour is lost to the atmosphere from
vegetation (trees).

Question 5

Condensation

Answer 5

Water vapour can condense into water moisture which will form
clouds which when big enough produce precipitation.

Question 6

Interception

Answer 6

Rainwater can be intercepted by vegetation slowing down the
movement of water.

Question 7

Overland flow

Answer 7

Water may move over the surface of the land as overland flow.

Question 8

Infiltration

Answer 8

Water flowing into the soil is known as infiltration.

Question 9

Percolation

Answer 9

Water may move into the rocks below the soil in a process called
percolation.

Question 10

Water table

Answer 10

Water may be stored in the rocks underground in the water table.

Question 11

Hydraulic action

Answer 11

Hydraulic action is when the sheer force of the water
enters cracks in the rock, compresses the air and
forces pieces of rock to become dislodged.

Question 12

Abrasion

Answer 12

Abrasion is when the force of the water throws
bedload (rocks in the river) against the banks causing
erosion.

Question 13

Attrition

Answer 13

Attrition is when the river’s load collides and breaks
into smaller fragments. The edges of these rocks
become smaller and more rounded.

Question 14

Solution

Answer 14

Solution is when soluble rocks react with acids in the
water.