Unit 2 - Key Area 2 (Hydrosphere) Flashcards
What is an aquifer?
An underground (subterranean) type of water storage where a layer of permeable rock, gravel or sand is soaked with water.
Describe condensation
When water vapour cools and (gas) changes into water droplets (liquid) in clouds.
What is the Coriolis Effect?
It is caused by the rotation of the Earth, it results in currents being deflected to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere.
Describe evaporation
When liquid water on the surface changes to water vapour (gas) in the atmosphere.
What is the Global ocean conveyer belt
It is a constantly moving system of deep ocean circulation drive by thermohaline circulation and surface wind currents,
What is water stored in in the soil and rock? The amount of water stored will vary depending on the porosity of the soil and on the permeability of the rock.
Groundwater
What is the Gulf Stream?
A current which transports warm water away from the equator.
Desribe infiltration
The movement of water downwards into the soil.
What is the name for a continuously circulating pattern of ocean currents that is influenced by the surface winds and the Coriolis effect.
Ocean gyres
When water moves downwards through soil? (think about coffee)
Percolation
The downward movement of water from clouds to the ground as rain, hail, snow, sleet etc.
Precipitation
What does subterranean mean?
Underground
What two factors are involved in thermohaline currents?
Temperature and salt
High Salt - makes water dense and sink
Low temperatures - makes water dense and sink
Describe runoff of water
When water flows over the surface of the ground
What is sublimination?
When water changes from solid ice straight to water vapour (gas).
