People and the natural world interactions Flashcards
Hydrosphere
The water parts of the globe. E,g, oceans, lakes, rivers…
Hydrological cycle
The continuous transfer and storage of water in the environment.
River/stream
The surface flow of water as it drains a catchment area/drainage basin.
Tributary
A small river/stream draining into a larger river.
Watershed
The boundaries between one drainage basin and another.
Water table
The boundaries between saturated soil/bedrock and unsaturated soil underground.
Groundwater
The permanent water held underground in saturated soil and bedrock.
Discharge/runoff
Water transferred by rivers and streams.
Precipitation
Any form of water transferred from the atmosphere to the ground. E.g. rain, snow, hail…
Evaporation
Transfer of water from the ground to the atmosphere in the form of liquid water turning into a gas.
Confluence
The point where two rivers join together.
Desertification
When soil becomes dry, leading to soil erosion and the land turning into a desert.
Transpiration
Loss of water in the form of water vapour from the surface of plants.
Evapotranspiration
The combined water loss from evaporation and transpiration.
Condensation
When water changes from a gas (water vapour) to a liquid.
Surface runoff/overland flow
Movement of water on the surface of the land. E.g. rivers, streams…
Infiltration
Gradual penetration of water from the surface of the land underground.
Throughflow
Movement of water in the soil underground. Usually when the ground is sloping.
Groundwater flow
The flow of the water below the water table.
Interception
Water is prevented from reaching to ground by either plants or man made structures.
Permeable/impermeable
A material that allows/doesn’t allow water to pass through.
Porus
A material that contains tiny spaces inside and is able to hold water. E.g. sponge, soil…
Flood
When water overflows from rivers/streams and covers the land around the rivers/streams.
Drought
A period of time when the level of rainfall is below average and the water table begins to drop.
Hydrograph
A graph showing the rate of water discharge in rivers/streams.
Lag time
Length of time between the peak of rainfall and peak of discharge.
Relief
The general shape of the land. E.g. flat, hilly, mountainous…
Landform
A distinctive feature of the land created by natural processes. E.g. valleys, waterfalls, mountains…
Erosion
The wearing away of rocks and surfaces by means of a moving agent. E.g. wind, water…
Transportation
The process of moving the eroded sediments. E.g. river, oceans, wind…
Deposition
When eroded materials are laid down.
Sediment
Small particles eroded or weathered from a larger object.
