Physical Processes and Relationships between People and Enviroment Flashcards
Weather
Day-to-day changes in the atmosphere.
Climate
Average weather conditions over a period of usually at least 30 years.
Pressure System
A large mass of air having similar air pressure characteristics.
Deforestation
The cutting down or burning of trees.
Ecosystem Management
Regulating the use of ecosystems so that human needs and those of the ecosystem are met.
Stores (water cycle)
Where water remains in one place or state.
Flows (water cycle)
The transfer of water between stores, in the same state or involving a change of state.
Flooding
When water covers or submerges a place or area that is normally dry.
Flood protection
Actions taken to protect an area from the effects of flooding.
Hydraulic Action
The breaking up of rock material caused by water compressing air in cracks within rock surfaces, before real easing it explosively.
Abrasion
The wearing away of rock surfaces by pieces of rock held in the water. Also known as corrasion.
Corrosion
The dissolving in water of soluble rock material, like limestone. Also known as solution.
Attrition
The wearing down of rock material by fragments rubbing together during transport.
Discharge
The volume of water flowing through a section of river at a given time. It is measured in cubic metres per second.
Bedload
The material carried by a river being bounced or rolled along its bed.
Solution
Rock material dissolves in the water. It may eventually become solid again if this water evaporates.
Suspension
Material ‘floats’ in the water as it moves.
Saltation
Material is bounced along by the moving water.
Traction
Material is rolled or dragged along. It does not leave the surface as it is carried.
Confluence
Where two rivers meet and join to form one larger river.
Tributary
A small river feeding into a large one
Estuary
Where a river enters the sea
Precipitation
Water falling out of the atmosphere
Interception
Where falling water hits the earths surface
