People and the natural world interactions

Question 1

Hydrosphere

Answer 1

The water parts of the globe. E,g, oceans, lakes, rivers…

Question 2

Hydrological cycle

Answer 2

The continuous transfer and storage of water in the environment.

Question 3

River/stream

Answer 3

The surface flow of water as it drains a catchment area/drainage basin.

Question 4

Tributary

Answer 4

A small river/stream draining into a larger river.

Question 5

Watershed

Answer 5

The boundaries between one drainage basin and another.

Question 6

Water table

Answer 6

The boundaries between saturated soil/bedrock and unsaturated soil underground.

Question 7

Groundwater

Answer 7

The permanent water held underground in saturated soil and bedrock.

Question 8

Discharge/runoff

Answer 8

Water transferred by rivers and streams.

Question 9

Precipitation

Answer 9

Any form of water transferred from the atmosphere to the ground. E.g. rain, snow, hail…

Question 10

Evaporation

Answer 10

Transfer of water from the ground to the atmosphere in the form of liquid water turning into a gas.

Question 11

Confluence

Answer 11

The point where two rivers join together.

Question 12

Desertification

Answer 12

When soil becomes dry, leading to soil erosion and the land turning into a desert.

Question 13

Transpiration

Answer 13

Loss of water in the form of water vapour from the surface of plants.

Question 14

Evapotranspiration

Answer 14

The combined water loss from evaporation and transpiration.

Question 15

Condensation

Answer 15

When water changes from a gas (water vapour) to a liquid.

Question 16

Surface runoff/overland flow

Answer 16

Movement of water on the surface of the land. E.g. rivers, streams…

Question 17

Infiltration

Answer 17

Gradual penetration of water from the surface of the land underground.

Question 18

Throughflow

Answer 18

Movement of water in the soil underground. Usually when the ground is sloping.

Question 19

Groundwater flow

Answer 19

The flow of the water below the water table.

Question 20

Interception

Answer 20

Water is prevented from reaching to ground by either plants or man made structures.

Question 21

Permeable/impermeable

Answer 21

A material that allows/doesn’t allow water to pass through.

Question 22

Porus

Answer 22

A material that contains tiny spaces inside and is able to hold water. E.g. sponge, soil…

Question 23

Flood

Answer 23

When water overflows from rivers/streams and covers the land around the rivers/streams.

Question 24

Drought

Answer 24

A period of time when the level of rainfall is below average and the water table begins to drop.

Question 25

Hydrograph

Answer 25

A graph showing the rate of water discharge in rivers/streams.

Question 26

Lag time

Answer 26

Length of time between the peak of rainfall and peak of discharge.

Question 27

Relief

Answer 27

The general shape of the land. E.g. flat, hilly, mountainous...

Question 28

Landform

Answer 28

A distinctive feature of the land created by natural processes. E.g. valleys, waterfalls, mountains...

Question 29

Erosion

Answer 29

The wearing away of rocks and surfaces by means of a moving agent. E.g. wind, water...

Question 30

Transportation

Answer 30

The process of moving the eroded sediments. E.g. river, oceans, wind...

Question 31

Deposition

Answer 31

When eroded materials are laid down.

Question 32

Sediment

Answer 32

Small particles eroded or weathered from a larger object.