Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Physcial Geography > Water And Carbob Cycles- PMT Essential Notes > Flashcards

Water And Carbob Cycles- PMT Essential Notes Flashcards

1
Q

What are the main components of a system?

A

Inputs, Outputs, Stores, Flows, Boundaries

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Define an open system.

A

A system that receives inputs and transfers outputs of energy or matter with other systems

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Define a closed system.

A

A system where energy inputs equal outputs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is dynamic equilibrium in a system?

A

A state when inputs equal outputs despite changing conditions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What occurs during positive feedback?

A

A chain of events that amplifies the impacts of the original event

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What occurs during negative feedback?

A

A chain of events that nullifies the impacts of the original event

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Are the carbon and water cycles open or closed systems on a local scale?

A

Open systems

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Are the carbon and water cycles open or closed systems on a global scale?

A

Closed systems

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

In a local drainage basin system, what is an example of an input?

A

Precipitation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

In a local drainage basin system, what are two examples of outputs?

A
  • Evapotranspiration
  • Streamflow
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is evapotranspiration?

A

The combined return of water to the atmosphere from evaporation and transpiration

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

List three stores of water in a local drainage basin system.

A
  • Groundwater
  • Soil Water
  • Rivers
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is interception in the context of water storage?

A

Water stored temporarily by trees before it reaches the ground

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Define infiltration.

A

Water moving from above ground into the soil

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is percolation?

A

Water moves from the ground or soil into porous rock or rock fractures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is throughflow?

A

Flow of water through the soil

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is surface runoff?

A

Water that flows over the ground surface

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Define groundwater flow.

A

Flow of water through the rocks

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is stemflow?

A

Flow of water that has been intercepted by plants or trees down a stem, leaf, branch, or other part of a plant

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the water balance formula?

A

Precipitation = Total Runoff + Evapotranspiration +/- Storage

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Why is the water balance important?

A

It helps explain droughts or floods.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What local factors impact the water cycle?

A

Deforestation, Storm Events, Seasonal Changes, Agriculture, Urbanisation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

How does deforestation affect the water cycle?

A

It leads to less interception and soil that is less able to store water.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What effect do storm events have on the water cycle?

A

They increase runoff and water storage.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

How do seasonal changes impact the water cycle?

A

Spring has more interception; snow reduces flows; hot weather reduces precipitation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is the impact of pastoral agriculture on the water cycle?

A

Livestock trampling reduces infiltration.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

How does arable agriculture affect the water cycle?

A

Ploughing increases infiltration, while ditches increase runoff.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What is the effect of urbanisation on the water cycle?

A

Impermeable surfaces increase runoff.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What does the soil water budget show?

A

The annual balance between inputs and outputs in the water cycle.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

When does soil water recharge occur?

A

In autumn, when precipitation exceeds evapotranspiration.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

When is water utilized from the soil?

A

In spring and summer, when potential evapotranspiration is highest.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What happens when evapotranspiration exceeds precipitation?

A

Soil water stores deplete, leading to a deficit.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What is field capacity?

A

The maximum storage of water in the soil.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What factors affect the water budget?

A

Type, depth, and permeability of the soil and bedrock.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What are the four areas where water can be stored?

A

Hydrosphere, Lithosphere, Cryosphere, Atmosphere

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What is the hydrosphere?

A

Any liquid water

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What does the lithosphere refer to in terms of water storage?

A

Water stored in the crust and upper mantle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What is the cryosphere?

A

Any water that is frozen

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What is the atmosphere in the context of water storage?

A

Water vapour

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

How long can shallow groundwater aquifers store water?

A

Up to 200 years

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

How long can deeper fossil aquifers last?

A

May last for 10,000 years

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

How long may glaciers store water?

A

20-100 years

This water may feed lakes that store water for 50-100 years.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

How long does seasonal snow cover and rivers store water?

A

2-6 months

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

How long does soil water act as a temporary store?

A

1-2 months

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

What seasonal changes affect the water cycle?

A

Less precipitation and more evaporation in summer; reduced flows in winter as water is stored as ice

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

How does reduced interception occur in winter?

A

When deciduous trees lose their leaves

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

What increases evapotranspiration in summer?

A

Deciduous trees having their leaves and higher temperatures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

How do farming practices impact the water cycle?

A

Ploughing increases infiltration; arable farming increases interception and evapotranspiration; pastoral farming compacts soil, reducing infiltration and increasing runoff

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

What happens to precipitation and evaporation in summer?

A

Less precipitation, more evaporation due to higher temperatures.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

What occurs to water flows in winter?

A

Reduced flows as water is stored as ice.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

How does winter affect interception?

A

Reduced interception occurs when deciduous trees lose their leaves.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

What is the effect of summer on evapotranspiration?

A

Increased evapotranspiration occurs as deciduous trees have their leaves and temperatures are higher.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

How does ploughing affect soil infiltration?

A

Ploughing breaks up the surface, increasing infiltration.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

What impact does arable farming have?

A

Arable farming can increase interception and evapotranspiration.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

How does pastoral farming affect soil?

A

Pastoral farming compacts soil, reducing infiltration and increasing runoff.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

What is the impact of deforestation on water processes?

A

Deforestation reduces interception and evapotranspiration, but increases infiltration.

Dead plant material in forests usually prevents infiltration.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

How does construction affect water processes?

A

Construction reduces infiltration and evapotranspiration, but increases runoff.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

What is water abstraction?

A

Water abstraction is the removal of water from stores for human use.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

What is the effect of water abstraction on surface water stores?

A

Water abstraction reduces the volume of water in surface stores (e.g. lakes).

60
Q

When does water abstraction typically increase?

A

Water abstraction increases in dry seasons, as water is needed for irrigation.

61
Q

What is a consequence of human abstraction from aquifers?

A

Human abstraction from aquifers often exceeds inputs, leading to a decline in global long-term water stores.

62
Q

What is the impact of deforestation on water processes?

A

Deforestation reduces interception and evapotranspiration, but increases infiltration.

Dead plant material in forests usually prevents infiltration.

63
Q

How does construction affect water processes?

A

Construction reduces infiltration and evapotranspiration, but increases runoff.

64
Q

What is water abstraction?

A

Water abstraction is the removal of water from stores for human use.

65
Q

What is the effect of water abstraction on surface water stores?

A

Water abstraction reduces the volume of water in surface stores (e.g. lakes).

66
Q

When does water abstraction typically increase?

A

Water abstraction increases in dry seasons, as water is needed for irrigation.

67
Q

What is a consequence of human abstraction from aquifers?

A

Human abstraction from aquifers often exceeds inputs, leading to a decline in global long-term water stores.

68
Q

What is a flood hydrograph?

A

A flood hydrograph represents rainfall for the drainage basin of a river and the discharge of the same river on a graph.

69
Q

What are the key components of a flood hydrograph?

A

The key components include the rainfall and discharge of the river.

70
Q

What characterizes a flashy flood hydrograph?

A

A flashy flood hydrograph has a short lag time, steep rising and falling limb, higher flood risk, and high peak discharge.

71
Q

What characterizes a subdued flood hydrograph?

A

A subdued flood hydrograph has a long lag time, gradually rising and falling limb, lower flood risk, and low peak discharge.

72
Q

What factors increase surface runoff and create a flashy hydrograph?

A

Factors include urbanization, deforestation, and steep slopes.

73
Q

What effect does pastoral farming have on interception?

A

Ground trampled so less interception.

74
Q

How does deforestation impact interception?

A

Deforestation leads to less interception.

75
Q

What is the effect of high rainfall intensity on discharge potential?

A

Higher discharge potential.

76
Q

What happens to surface runoff during antecedent rainfall?

A

Increased surface runoff as ground is saturated.

77
Q

How does impermeable underlying geology affect infiltration?

A

Decreased infiltration.

78
Q

What is the impact of high drainage density?

A

Many tributaries to main river.

79
Q

What effect does pastoral farming have on interception?

A

Ground trampled so less interception.

80
Q

How does deforestation impact interception?

A

Deforestation leads to less interception.

81
Q

What is the effect of high rainfall intensity on discharge potential?

A

Higher discharge potential.

82
Q

What happens to surface runoff during antecedent rainfall?

A

Increased surface runoff as ground is saturated.

83
Q

How does impermeable underlying geology affect infiltration?

A

Decreased infiltration.

84
Q

What is the impact of high drainage density?

A

Many tributaries to main river.

85
Q

What is the carbon cycle?

A

The carbon cycle occurs on a local scale in a plant or sere such as the lithosere.

86
Q

What is a lithosere?

A

A lithosere is a vegetation succession that occurs on bare rock.

87
Q

How does soil build up in a lithosere?

A

Soil builds up on the rock from decaying organic matter.

88
Q

What is the climatic climax?

A

The climatic climax is the final stage of a vegetation succession when the ecosystem can develop no further.

89
Q

What is an example of a climatic climax?

A

An example of a climatic climax is when a woodland is formed.

90
Q

What is photosynthesis?

A

Living organisms convert Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere and Water from the soil into Oxygen and Glucose using Light Energy. This process removes CO2 from the atmosphere.

91
Q

What is respiration?

A

The opposite of photosynthesis.

92
Q

What does combustion do?

A

Releases CO2 into the atmosphere through burning fossil fuels, wildfires, etc.

93
Q

What happens during decomposition?

A

When living organisms die, they are broken down by decomposers which respire, returning CO2 into the atmosphere. Some carbon is also returned to the soil.

94
Q

What is diffusion in the context of carbon transfer?

A

The oceans can absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, but this harms aquatic life by causing coral bleaching.

95
Q

What occurs during weathering and erosion?

A

Rock particles are broken down and transferred to the ocean, where the carbon is used by marine organisms to create shells.

96
Q

What is burial and compaction?

A

Sea shell fragments become compacted over time to form limestone, and organic matter may form fossil fuels.

97
Q

What is carbon sequestration?

A

Transfer of carbon from the atmosphere, which can be both natural and artificial.

98
Q

What are the main carbon stores in order of magnitude?

A
  1. Marine Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks (Lithosphere - Long-term)
  2. Oceans (Hydrosphere - Dynamic)
  3. Fossil Fuel Deposits (Lithosphere - Long-term but currently dynamic)
  4. Soil Organic Matter (Lithosphere - Mid-term)
  5. Atmosphere (Dynamic)
  6. Terrestrial Plants (Biosphere - Mid-term but very dynamic)
99
Q

What is the lithosphere’s role in carbon storage?

A

The lithosphere is the main store of carbon, with global stores unevenly distributed.

100
Q

Where is carbon storage mainly found in the biosphere?

A

Storage in the biosphere mostly occurs on land.

101
Q

Where is terrestrial plant storage focused?

A

Terrestrial plant storage is focused in the tropics and the northern hemisphere.

102
Q

What is the effect of wildfires on carbon?

A

Wildfires transfer carbon from the biosphere to the atmosphere as CO2 is released through burning.

Wildfires can encourage the growth of plants in the long term.

103
Q

How does volcanic activity affect carbon storage?

A

Volcanic activity releases carbon stored within the earth during eruptions, mainly as CO2 gas.

104
Q

What is the impact of fossil fuel use on carbon?

A

Fossil fuel use transfers CO2 to the atmosphere from a long-term carbon sink.

105
Q

How does deforestation impact carbon storage?

A

Deforestation rapidly releases carbon stored in plants and interrupts the forest carbon cycle.

It is often used to clear land for farming or housing, using slash and burn techniques.

106
Q

What is a consequence of arable farming?

A

Arable farming releases CO2 as animals respire.

107
Q

How does ploughing affect CO2 levels?

A

Ploughing can release CO2 stored in the soil.

108
Q

What role does farm machinery play in CO2 emissions?

A

Farm machinery such as tractors may release CO2.

109
Q

What is the Carbon Budget?

A

The Carbon Budget is the balance between carbon inputs and outputs to a store at any scale.

E.g. The carbon budget in the atmosphere has inputs from respiration and combustion, but outputs including the oceans/photosynthesis.

110
Q

What is a Carbon Source?

A

A Carbon Source is a store that emits more carbon than it absorbs.

E.g. a damaged rainforest.

111
Q

What is a Carbon Sink?

A

A Carbon Sink is a store that absorbs more carbon than it emits.

E.g. a virgin rainforest.

112
Q

What is the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect?

A

The Enhanced Greenhouse Effect is the process causing global warming due to high levels of greenhouse gases produced by humans.

113
Q

How does the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect contribute to climate change?

A

It traps radiation from the sun, leading to global warming and climate change.

114
Q

Why is it important to discuss the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect?

A

It is important to assess human impacts on the global climate.

115
Q

What is the difference between the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect and the Greenhouse Effect?

A

The Greenhouse Effect is a natural process, while the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect is driven by human activities.

116
Q

How do tropical rainforests impact regional climates?

A

High rates of photosynthesis and respiration in forests lead to greater humidity, cloud cover, and precipitation.

117
Q

What is the effect of deforestation on the carbon cycle?

A

Deforestation reduces photosynthesis and respiration, further reducing humidity and cloud cover and decreasing precipitation.

118
Q

How do warmer oceans affect plankton growth?

A

Warmer oceans cause more plankton growth.

119
Q

What is the role of plankton in cloud formation?

A

Through plankton chemical production, clouds can potentially form.

120
Q
A
121
Q

What effect do wildfires have in hotter and drier climates?

A

Wildfires are more likely in hotter and drier climates due to global warming, which releases large quantities of CO2 into the atmosphere, increasing the warming effect.

122
Q

How does melting ice affect global warming?

A

Ice reflects radiation from the sun, reducing surface warming. As sea temperatures rise and ice melts, the warming effect is amplified due to less ice reflecting radiation, leading to further melting.

123
Q

What gases are released from thawing permafrost?

A

Higher temperatures are thawing the permafrost, releasing CO2 and methane, which has 20 times the warming effect of CO2, causing warming on both local and global scales.

124
Q

What is the cycle of permafrost melting and gas release?

A

Higher temperatures cause more permafrost to melt, leading to further gas releases and additional warming.

125
Q

How does increased vegetation affect CO2 levels?

A

Increased photosynthesis by plants and rising global temperatures allow vegetation to grow in new areas, such as where permafrost has melted, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and decreasing the warming effect.

126
Q

What is carbon fertilization in plants?

A

Higher temperatures and more CO2 cause greater carbon fertilization in plants, allowing them to absorb more CO2, reducing CO2 levels and rates of warming.

127
Q

How do phytoplankton contribute to cloud formation?

A

Phytoplankton photosynthesize to gain energy, and warmer oceans and more sunlight boost this process, leading to the production of a chemical that causes cloud formation.

128
Q

What is the effect of increased cloud cover on warming?

A

Increased cloud cover decreases warming by the sun, while more photosynthesis reduces CO2 levels, further reducing warming.

129
Q

What happens when phytoplankton growth decreases?

A

When phytoplankton grow less quickly, less of the chemical is produced, decreasing cloud cover and continuing the cycle.

130
Q

What happens to precipitation in a natural rainforest water cycle?

A

75% is intercepted by trees; 35% reaches the ground and infiltrates the soil, while another 35% is used by plants and returns to the atmosphere through transpiration.

25% evaporates almost immediately and returns to the atmosphere.

131
Q

What is the effect of deforestation on the water cycle?

A

Most precipitation reaches the ground immediately with little vegetation to intercept it, leading to high surface runoff and a higher flooding risk.

Less evapotranspiration results in a less humid atmosphere and decreased rainfall.

132
Q

How do trees contribute to the carbon cycle in a natural rainforest?

A

Trees promote photosynthesis, absorbing large amounts of oxygen and acting as an important carbon sink.

Decomposition and respiration release CO2 back to the atmosphere and soil.

133
Q

What are the consequences of deforestation on the carbon cycle?

A

Photosynthesis is reduced due to the lack of trees, and fires to clear land release CO2 into the atmosphere, turning forests into a carbon source instead of a carbon sink.

There are low rates of decomposition and a lack of life until new plants grow.

134
Q

How does rain over intact tropical rainforest affect deforested land?

A

Rain may fall over deforested land due to wind, causing erosion, with soil and ash flowing into rivers, increasing the carbon content of rivers. The water leaves the rainforest cycle as an output through streamflow due to reduced interception and increased surface runoff.

135
Q

What is the effect of deforestation on rainfall in intact forests?

A

There is reduced rainfall in the intact forest, as there is less evapotranspiration in the deforested area, causing drought periods and the deterioration of the intact rainforest.

136
Q

What impact does deforestation on peatlands have on water storage?

A

Deforestation on peatlands and the digging of drainage channels reduces water storage. The organic peat matter decomposes quickly, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere.

137
Q

What are the consequences of increased weathering and erosion in deforested areas?

A

Weathering and erosion increase, speeding up decomposition. There is a greater wildfire risk from the hotter temperatures.

138
Q

How can blocking drainage ditches in peatland rainforests help restore the environment?

A

Blocking drainage ditches helps restore the natural environment by increasing soil water storage and decreasing runoff. This can raise the water table and decrease the flood risk.

139
Q

How does a managed forest compare to a virgin forest in terms of CO2 sequestration?

A

A managed forest is often less effective at sequestering CO2 than a virgin forest.

140
Q

What is the aim of the Paris Climate Deal (COP21)?

A

To limit global temperatures to 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

141
Q

What support does the Paris Climate Deal provide?

A

Support for developing countries.

142
Q

How often does the Paris Climate Deal meet to review goals?

A

Every 5 years.

143
Q

What are the targets of the EU 20-20-20 initiative?

A

20% reduction in GHG emissions, 20% of energy from renewable sources, and 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020.

144
Q

What additional commitment has the EU suggested regarding emissions reduction?

A

To increase emissions reduction to 30% if major GHG producing countries improve their targets.

145
Q

What is the target set by the Climate Change Act 2008 in the UK?

A

To reduce GHG emissions by 80% of 1990 levels by 2050, with a target of 34% by 2020.

146
Q

What was created to help the UK government with climate change progress?

A

National carbon budgets and the Independent Committee on Climate Change.

147
Q

What are some local scale interventions for mitigating climate change?

A

Improving home insulation, recycling, using energy wisely, using smart meters, public transport, and car sharing schemes.

Physcial Geography (8 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions