key idea 1 definitions Flashcards
Evapotranspiration
The loss of moisture from the ground directly from the water bodies and soil and the diffusion of water vapour to the atmosphere from the leaf pores (stomata) of plants.
Evaporation
Heat from the sun causes water to be converted from a liquid from a water surface to a gas (water vapour) in the atmosphere.
Precipitation
The transfer of water in any form (rain, hail or snow) from the atmosphere to the land or sea surface.
Infiltration
The transfer of water downwards from the ground surface to the unsaturated soil.
Percolation
The transfer of water downward from the unsaturated soil to the saturated groundwater store (aquifer).
Overland flow
The movement of water over the ground surface towards a river or stream.
Throughflow
The movement of water through unsaturated soil (between the ground surface and aquifer) towards a river or stream.
Groundwater flow
The movement of water through the saturated rocks of the aquifer towards rivers, lakes and the sea.
Interception
The rainwater stored temporarily on the leaves, stems and branches of vegetation.
Ablation
The loss of ice or snow, especially from a glacier, through melting, evaporation or sublimation.
Sublimation
The phase change of water from solid (ice) to gas (water vapour).
Condensation
The phase change from gas (water vapour) to liquid (water) often occurring in the atmosphere forming clouds.
Stemflow
The flow of intercepted water along branches or stems to the ground.
Interception Loss
The intercepted water evaporates off the plant surface.
Throughfall
The flow of briefly intercepted water dripping to the ground.
Infiltration Capacity
The ground surface’s maximum rate of water absorption.
Combustion
Organic material reacts in the presence of oxygen, releasing carbon dioxide, CO2 e.g. forest fires.
Fuel + O2 àCO2 + Water
Respiration
The process whereby oxygen and glucose are converted to energy, carbon dioxide and water.
6O2 + C6H12O6 à6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy
Photosynthesis
The process whereby, in the presence of sunlight, carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose and oxygen.
6CO2 + 6H20 àC6H12O6 + 6O2
Combustion of Fossil Fuels
Natural gas, coal or oil burning in the presence of oxygen, releasing carbon dioxide and water.