Inputs and Outputs of the Water Cycle Flashcards
What is the estimated amount of water circulated in the global water cycle budget according to the US Geological Survey?
The estimated amount of water circulated in the global water cycle budget according to the US Geological Survey is around 505,000 km3 of water a year as inputs and outputs between the principal water stores.
What are the inputs of water to the atmosphere?
The inputs of water to the atmosphere include water vapor evaporated from the oceans, soils, lakes and rivers, and vapor transpired through the leaves of plants, collectively known as evapotranspiration.
What are the two ways moisture leaves the atmosphere?
Moisture leaves the atmosphere as precipitation (i.e., rain, snow, hail, etc.) and condensation (e.g., fog).
How do ice sheets, glaciers, and snowfields release water?
Ice sheets, glaciers, and snowfields release water by ablation, which involves melting and sublimation.
Where does most of the runoff from precipitation and meltwater drain to?
Most of the runoff from precipitation and meltwater drain to the oceans via rivers, although some rivers in continental drylands, such as southwest USA, drain to inland basins.
How does water that falls as precipitation on the land reach rivers?
A large part of water falling as precipitation on the land reaches rivers only after infiltrating and flowing through the soil.
After infiltrating the soil, where else may water under gravity percolate into?
After infiltrating the soil, water under gravity may percolate into permeable rocks or aquifers.
How does groundwater contribute to runoff?
Groundwater eventually reaches the surface as springs or seepages and contributes to runoff.
