Waer & carbon Knowledge Check

Question 1

List all the key concepts that are associated with systems in physical geography

Answer 1

Inputs
Outputs
Energy Stores/components Flows/transfers Positive/negative feedback Dynamic equilibrium

Question 2

Name the four spheres that form the major stores of water on Earth

Answer 2

Lithosphere
Hydrosphere
Cryosphere
Atmosphere

Question 3

Name the two things you need to know about water stores in their four spheres

Answer 3

The size (magnitude) of the stores
The global distribution of these stores

Question 4

The magnitude (size) of water stores can change over two dimensions. Name them.

Answer 4

Time
Space

Question 5

Change in the magnitude of water stores is driven by a range of processes that cause water to move from one store to another. Name these processes.

Answer 5

Evaporation
Condensation
Cloud formation
Causes of precipitation
Cryospheric processes

Question 6

The processes driving change in water stores can be studied at three different scales. Name them.

Answer 6

Hill slope
Drainage basin
Global

Question 7

Drainage basins are open systems. Name the main input and outputs.

Answer 7

Input = precipitation

Outputs = evapotranspiration and runoff

Question 8

Name the 5 main stores in a drainage basin system.

Answer 8

Interception
Surface water
Soil water
Groundwater
Channel storage

Question 9

Name the 4 main flows in a drainage basin system.

Answer 9

Stemflow
Infiltration
Overland flow
Channel flow.

Question 10

The concept of water balance (between inputs and outputs) can be applied to a drainage basin. Water balance can be positive or negative in terms of water stored. How is this calculated?

Answer 10

Change in storage = Precipitation – (Runoff + Evapotranspiration)

Question 11

Runoff in a drainage basin varies over time. What can be used to show how a river responds to a period of rainfall?

Answer 11

A hydrograph

Question 12

The water cycle changes over time due to natural variations. Name two causes.

Answer 12

Storm events
Seasonal changes

Question 13

The water cycle changes over time due to human impact. Name three causes.

Answer 13

Farming practices
Land use change
Water abstraction

Question 14

Name the five spheres that form the major stores of water on Earth

Answer 14

Lithosphere
Hydrosphere
Cryosphere
Biosphere
Atmosphere

Question 15

Name the two things you need to know about carbon stores in their five spheres

Answer 15

The size (magnitude) of the stores
The global distribution of these stores

Question 16

Change in the magnitude of carbon stores is driven by a range of processes that cause carbon to move from one store to another. Name the six main processes.

Answer 16

Photosynthesis
Respiration
Decomposition
Combustion
Carbon sequestration in oceans and sediments Weathering

Question 17

The processes driving change in carbon stores can be studied at three different scales. Name them.

Answer 17

Plant
Sere
Continental

Question 18

The carbon cycle changes over time due to natural variations. Name two causes.

Answer 18

Wildfires
Volcanic activity

Question 19

The carbon cycle changes over time due to human impact. Name four causes.

Answer 19

Hydrocarbon fuel extraction and burning
Farming practices
Deforestation
Land use changes

Question 20

The concept of a carbon budget (balance between carbon emitted and carbon absorbed) can be applied to the carbon cycle. Changes in the budget can have an impact four areas. Name them.

Answer 20

Land
Ocean
Atmosphere
Global climate

Question 21

There are three main areas of study linking water, carbon, climate, and life on Earth. Name them.

Answer 21

1. The key role of carbon and water stores and cycles in supporting life on Earth (especially climate).
2. The relationship between the water cycle and carbon cycle in the atmosphere.
3. The role of feedback within and between systems and their link to climate and implications for life on earth.

Question 22

What are human interventions in the carbon cycle designed to do?

Answer 22

Influence carbon transfers
Mitigate the impacts of climate change

Question 23

For the river catchment case study field data should be used to help consider what two things?

Answer 23

1. The impact of precipitation on drainage basin stores and transfers.
2. Implications for sustainable water supply and/or flooding.