Science Exam Flashcards
What is evaporation?
Liquid water turning into gaseous water
What is transpiration?
Water evaporating from leaves of plants
What is condensation?
Water vapor rising into the cooler upper atmosphere where it condenses back into liquid water
What is precipitation?
Liquid or frozen water falling from clouds
What is run-off?
Liquid water flowing downhill towards a collection area
What is infiltration?
Liquid water soaking into the ground
What is a watershed?
An area of land through which water all drains to the same spot
How does water move through a watershed?
Water moves downhill in a watershed
Why do we consider watersheds to be like nesting dolls?
All waterways eventually meet with one another, starting small and going big
How does soil compaction affect the rate of infiltration?
The greater the soil compaction, the lower the rate of infiltration
How does vegetation affect the rate of run-off?
The greater the amount of vegetation, the lower the amount of run-off
How does vegetation affect the humidity of a region?
The greater the amount of vegetation, the greater the amount of transpiration and water vapor in the air
Using waters polairty why does it evaporate slower than slower than rubbing alcohol
Because of water polairty, the water molecules stick together so it requires a lot more energy for them to break apart.
If lines are closer together on a topographical map what does it mean
The land there is steeper
Where would you find the lowest elevation on a topographic map?
Probaly near a body of water
What is an aquifer?
Underground water that is held in porous rock
How do septic systems affect aquifers?
Septic systems can contaminate aquifers if proper filters are not used
What affects water density?
Temperature and salinity
True or False: Frozen water is less dense than liquid water.
True
What is the difference between cohesion and adhesion?
- Cohesion: Water molecules stick together
- Adhesion: Water molecules sticking to something other than water
What is point source pollution?
Pollution that can be traced to a specific source
Give an example of point source pollution.
A straight pipe discharging waste into a river
What is non-point source pollution?
Pollution that cannot be traced to a specific source
Give an example of non-point source pollution.
Oil found in Lake Michigan, likely from boating activity
Would a dog park on top of a hill be non-point source pollution or point source pollution.
It would be non-point source pollution
How do topographic maps help us learn about watersheds?
They show where water will move and where floods are likely to happen
What is mechanical weathering?
Breaking big rocks into small rocks without making a new substance
What are the benefits of green roofs?
They reduce run-off and prevent pollution in watersheds
What is the role of rain gardens?
They absorb excess fertilizers and pollution before stormwater reaches drains
How does permeable cement benefit water systems?
It allows water to soak into the ground, replenishing aquifers
What is a renewable resource?
A resource that is replenished naturally over a short period of time.
What is the main energy source for electricity in the United States?
Fossil Fuels
What is a non-renewable resource?
A resource that is not replenished or takes longer than 1000 years to replenish