The Water Cycle And Water Insecurity Flashcards
What is the definition of a closed system?
A system which transfers energy but not matter across its boundary to the surrounding environment.
What is the definition of an open system?
A system which transfers energy and matter across its boundary to the surrounding environment.
What effect does size of water stores have on the hydrological cycle?
The larger the store the greater the potential of evaporation to occur thus a greater chance for
convectional rainfall.
What factors affect the fluxes in the water cycle?
ground water saturation, evaporation rates (temperature), interception
What are three human factors that affect the water budget?
deforestation, abstraction and contamination
What is fossil water?
A fixed volume of water which has been contained undisturbed for millennia. It’s usually stored underground for example and in aquifers.
What are the three types of rainfall?
Frontal, orographic, conventional
What are three physical factors that affect river discharge?
Vegetation, topography, dam construction
What are three human factors that affect water security?
Waste contamination, over abstraction, agriculture
How does climate change affect a drainage basin?
Greater global temperatures which means that… Rising sea levels, increased rainfall, decreased salinity at the poles.
What is meant by residence times?
The average amount of time in which water is in a given location.
What is the water budget?
A balance of income inputs and outputs to a water basin.
What is a river regime?
Outlines the discharge of a basin
Why is the water cycle a closed system?
There are no external inputs or outputs
