water and carbon Flashcards
what are cycles? : define system
simplified model of the real world, where a process occurs. there are inputs,outputs and stores within a system
what are cycles? : define open system
a cycle or process where inputs and outputs can add or remove material or energy
what are cycles? : define closed system
linked processes where there are no inputs or outputs of matter. energy still moves into and out of the network
what are cycles? : define input
addition to a system
what are cycles? : define output
losses from a system
what are cycles? : define stores
a sink where matter is retained for an amount of time
what are cycles? : define dynamic equilibrium
the steady, balanced state of a system
what are cycles? : define positive feedback
a runaway system loop where the system moves further from equilibrium
what are cycles? : define negative feedback
a cycle that returns the system back towards equilibrium
water cycle-stores and processes: define lithosphere
rock environments - can act as a store of water
water cycle-stores and processes: define hydrosphere
the store of water on the earths surface
water cycle-stores and processes: define cryosphere
the ice which exists upon earth
water cycle-stores and processes: define atmosphere
water is stored as gas within the air, or is condensed into clouds
water cycle-stores and processes: define cascading system
several linked systems which all effect eachother
water cycle-stores and processes: define soil water
liquid located just below the earths surface in loose, unconsolidated material, above the bedrock
water cycle-stores and processes: define groundwater
water located below the earths surface, stored in the pores of permeable rock
water cycle-stores and processes: define surface water
eater located above ground
water cycle-stores and processes: define permafrost
ground which is permanently frozen for at least 2 years in a row
water cycle-stores and processes: define evaporation
state of change of water form a liquid to gas
water cycle-stores and processes: define condensation
change in state of water from gas to liquid
water cycle-stores and processes: define sublimation
a direct change in a state from solid to gas
water cycle-stores and processes: define residence time
the average period of time that water molecules stay in a store or flow
water cycle- the drainage basin, runoff and human influence: define drainage basin
the area of land drained by a river and the rivers tributaries
water cycle- the drainage basin, runoff and human influence: define watershed
the boundary between two drainage basins
water cycle- the drainage basin, runoff and human influence: define transpiration
the flow of water from the soil to the atmosphere via plants