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Water and Carbon Cycles > Untitled Deck > Flashcards

Untitled Deck Flashcards

1
Q

What is dynamic equilibrium in relation to the water cycle?

A

Dynamic equilibrium refers to the state where the rates of processes in the water cycle, such as evaporation and precipitation, are balanced, leading to a stable amount of water in the system.

This balance allows for continuous movement of water without a net change in the overall system.

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2
Q

List the key processes involved in the water cycle that contribute to dynamic equilibrium.

A
  • Evaporation
  • Condensation
  • Precipitation
  • Infiltration
  • Runoff

Each of these processes plays a role in maintaining the balance of water in the environment.

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3
Q

True or False: In dynamic equilibrium, the total amount of water in the water cycle remains constant.

A

True

This indicates that while water is constantly moving through different states, the overall quantity does not change.

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4
Q

Fill in the blank: The process by which water vapor turns into liquid water in the atmosphere is called _______.

A

[Condensation]

This process is crucial for the formation of clouds and precipitation.

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5
Q

What happens to the water cycle if dynamic equilibrium is disrupted?

A

If dynamic equilibrium is disrupted, it can lead to changes in water availability, resulting in issues like droughts or floods.

Such disruptions can be caused by climate change, deforestation, and urbanization.

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6
Q

Define the term ‘evaporation’ as it relates to the water cycle.

A

Evaporation is the process where liquid water is transformed into water vapor, entering the atmosphere.

This process is a key component of the water cycle and contributes to atmospheric moisture.

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7
Q

Explain the role of precipitation in the water cycle.

A

Precipitation is the process where water, in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail, falls from the atmosphere back to the Earth’s surface.

It replenishes water sources and is essential for maintaining dynamic equilibrium.

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8
Q

What are the main components of the water cycle operating on a hill slope?

A

The main components are:
* Evaporation
* Condensation
* Precipitation
* Infiltration

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9
Q

Fill in the blank: The process by which water vapor turns into liquid water is called _______.

A

Condensation

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10
Q

What role does evaporation play in the water cycle?

A

Evaporation removes water from the surface, converting it to vapor.

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11
Q

How does precipitation impact the water cycle on a hill slope?

A

Precipitation adds water to the slope, affecting runoff and infiltration.

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12
Q

True or False: Infiltration is the process of water seeping into the soil.

A

True

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13
Q

What is runoff in the context of a hill slope water cycle?

A

Runoff is the flow of water over the ground surface to lower areas.

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14
Q

List the processes that contribute to the water cycle on a hill slope.

A
  • Evaporation
  • Condensation
  • Precipitation
  • Infiltration
  • Runoff
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15
Q

Fill in the blank: The continuous movement of water through the environment is known as the _______.

A

Water cycle

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16
Q

What influences the rate of evaporation on a hill slope?

A

Factors include temperature, humidity, and wind speed.

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17
Q

Which process occurs after condensation in the water cycle?

A

Precipitation

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18
Q

What is the role of cryospheric change in the water cycle?

A

Cryospheric change affects water storage, sea level rise, and freshwater availability

The cryosphere includes all frozen water on Earth, such as glaciers and sea ice.

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19
Q

How does the melting of glaciers impact the water cycle?

A

Melting glaciers contribute to sea level rise and increase freshwater runoff into oceans

This runoff can alter ocean circulation patterns.

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20
Q

True or False: The cryosphere has no effect on local weather patterns.

A

False

Changes in the cryosphere can influence atmospheric conditions and weather systems.

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21
Q

Fill in the blank: _______ is the term for the frozen water component of the Earth’s system.

A

[Cryosphere]

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22
Q

What happens to freshwater availability as the cryosphere changes?

A

Freshwater availability can decrease due to increased evaporation and altered precipitation patterns

This can lead to water scarcity in some regions.

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23
Q

List three effects of cryospheric change on ecosystems.

A
  • Altered habitats
  • Changes in species distribution
  • Increased competition for resources
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24
Q

What is one significant consequence of permafrost thawing?

A

Release of greenhouse gases such as methane

This contributes to global warming.

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25
Fill in the blank: The process of water changing from solid to liquid due to warming is called _______.
[Melting]
26
How does sea ice loss affect marine ecosystems?
It disrupts food webs and diminishes habitat for species like polar bears ## Footnote Sea ice is crucial for both marine and terrestrial organisms.
27
True or False: The cryosphere only influences regions in polar areas.
False ## Footnote The cryosphere has global implications, affecting weather and climate in various regions.
28
What is the process of decomposition in the carbon cycle?
The breakdown of organic matter by decomposers, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
29
What are the primary organisms involved in decomposition?
Decomposers such as bacteria, fungi, and detritivores.
30
What do decomposers convert organic matter into during decomposition?
Nutrients and carbon dioxide.
31
True or False: Decomposition contributes to the recycling of carbon in ecosystems.
True.
32
Fill in the blank: Decomposition is essential for returning _______ to the soil.
nutrients.
33
Why is decomposition important for the carbon cycle?
It ensures the continuous availability of carbon for plants and other organisms.
34
List the stages of decomposition.
* Leaching * Fragmentation * Mineralization * Humification
35
What gas is released during the decomposition of organic matter?
Carbon dioxide.
36
What are the two cycles discussed in the relationship outlined?
Water cycle and carbon cycle
37
How do the water cycle and carbon cycle interact in the atmosphere?
They are interconnected, influencing each other's processes.
38
What is one key process in the water cycle that affects the carbon cycle?
Evaporation
39
What role does precipitation play in the relationship between the water cycle and carbon cycle?
It helps transport carbon compounds to the Earth's surface.
40
Fill in the blank: The _______ cycle transfers water vapor into the atmosphere.
[water]
41
True or False: The carbon cycle operates independently of the water cycle.
False
42
What process in the carbon cycle is influenced by the availability of water?
Photosynthesis
43
List two ways the carbon cycle can impact the water cycle.
* Altering precipitation patterns * Affecting evaporation rates
44
Fill in the blank: The carbon cycle includes processes such as _______ and respiration.
[combustion]
45
What is a primary source of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere linked to the water cycle?
Evapotranspiration
46
What is the purpose of a flood hydrograph?
To illustrate the relationship between rainfall and river discharge over time ## Footnote A flood hydrograph is used to analyze how a river responds to rainfall events.
47
What key relationship does a flood hydrograph depict?
The relationship between rainfall and river discharge ## Footnote This helps in understanding flood risks and water management.
48
What does a flood hydrograph help in analyzing?
The timing and magnitude of peak discharge in response to rainfall ## Footnote This information is crucial for flood forecasting and management.
49
Fill-in-the-blank: A flood hydrograph is used to illustrate the relationship between _______ and river discharge.
rainfall
50
True or False: A flood hydrograph can be used to predict future flooding events.
True ## Footnote By analyzing past data, flood hydrographs can inform future flood risks.
51
What two main components are typically shown on a flood hydrograph?
Rainfall and river discharge ## Footnote These components are plotted against time to analyze flood behavior.
52
What does the peak discharge on a flood hydrograph indicate?
The maximum flow of water in the river during a flood event ## Footnote Understanding peak discharge helps in flood management and infrastructure planning.
53
What is negative feedback in the context of the carbon cycle?
A process that counteracts changes in carbon levels, helping to stabilize the system ## Footnote Negative feedback mechanisms can include increased plant growth in response to higher CO2 levels, which in turn lowers CO2 levels.
54
What role do plants play in negative feedback within the carbon cycle?
Plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, reducing atmospheric carbon levels ## Footnote This process is crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance.
55
How does increased atmospheric CO2 influence temperature?
Increases temperature, which can enhance plant growth and photosynthesis ## Footnote This can lead to more CO2 being absorbed from the atmosphere.
56
What happens when temperature rises due to increased CO2?
It can lead to enhanced plant growth, which subsequently reduces CO2 levels ## Footnote This illustrates the negative feedback loop in action.
57
True or False: Negative feedback always stabilizes the carbon cycle.
False ## Footnote While negative feedback can help stabilize the system, it is not always effective against all changes.
58
Fill in the blank: Negative feedback mechanisms in the carbon cycle help to _______ atmospheric carbon levels.
[stabilize]
59
List two examples of negative feedback in the carbon cycle.
* Increased plant photosynthesis * Ocean absorption of CO2
60
What effect does ocean absorption have on atmospheric CO2 levels?
It decreases atmospheric CO2 levels ## Footnote Oceans act as significant carbon sinks.
61
How can negative feedback be disrupted in the carbon cycle?
Through climate change and human activities such as deforestation ## Footnote These disruptions can lead to a positive feedback loop instead.

Water and Carbon Cycles (1 decks)

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