physical - water cycle Flashcards
(34 cards)
the atmosphere
GASES
water
the HYDROSPHERE
what system makes up the earths make up?
the GEOSPHERE
what is the difference between an open and closed system?
in an open system objects can move from one system to another where as in a closed system outputs are recycled back into the system
what ate the flows/transfers in the water cycle ?
- photosynthesis
- infiltration
- transpiration
an example of a closed system
the water cycle
an example of an open system
a drainage basin
what is POSITIVE feedback
the effect of an action are increased or multiplied by subsequent or secondary knock on effects
what is NEGATIVE feedback
where the effects of an action are reduced or stopped by its subsequent knock on effects
how much of the earths surface is covered by water?
70%
1.36 billion cubic kilometres
what is needed in order for clouds to form ?
CONDENSATION NUCLEI
how do clouds form?
- water evaporates
- warm air rises
- cools and condenses
- dew point
- condensation nuclei
what is the largest water store?
the HYDROSPHERE
- oceans
accounts for approximately 90% of the water entering the water cycle
what water stores make up the cryospshere ?
- permafrost
- ice caps
- ice shelves
- sea ice
- glaciers
- ice bergs
what is an aquifer? and the two types ?
a large quantity of water stored underground
- unconfined = can be infiltrated from the surface and pumped out
- confined = has a layer of non permeable rock
where is 30% of fresh water stored ?
in aquifers
what is the soil water budget ?
capacity to store and transfer water
what is the water table ?
the upper level of saturated rock which rises and falls in response to ground water flow
how is climate change effecting the glacial budget?
ablation is greater than accumulation
what is the albedo effect ?
light surfaces reflect more heat than dark ones
- snow
what does ITCZ stand for ?
inter tropical convergence zone
what is capillary action?
where hydrogen bonds draw water up to the surface of the soil
what factor affect river discharge ?
- land use mining/ logging/ urbanisation - geology permeability of rocks - obstruction of water deforestation ~ less interception - farming
how does seasonal change effect a rivers discharge ?
in periods of warm weather, more evaporation takes place which decreases the rivers discharge
