Water And Carbon Cycle Flashcards
System
A set of interrelated components working together towards some kind of process
Stores
A part of the system where energy/ mass is stored or transformed
Flow/ transfer
A form of linkage between one store/ component and another that involves movement of energy or mass
Input
The addition of matter and/ or energy into a system
Closed system
Energy is transferred into and out of the system. All matter is enclosed
Open system
Matter and energy can be transferred from the system into the surrounding environment
Dynamic equilibrium
The balanced state of a system. When opposing forces or inpupts and outputs are equal
Positive feedback
Occurs where the effects of an action are amplified by changes to the inputs/ outputs/ processes
(Process are enhance)
Negative feedback
Occurs where the effects of an action are nullified by changes to the input/outputs/ transfers
(Decelerates a process)
Drainage basin
The area of land surrounding a river, from which the river recieves water and subsequently drains this water
Precipitation
Rain, snow, hail and sleet
Infiltration
When water enters the ground
Interception
When water is caught by trees and plants
Stem flow
Water lands on plants and runs down their stems
Overland flow
Anywhere water flows over the land surface
Through flow
When water flows through the ground
Transpiration
When water vapour comes out of leaves
Evapotranspiration
Water rises as vapour from the ground or released from leaves
Ground water
Water deep in the ground
Soil water
Water held between soil particles
Ground water flow
The slow movement of groundwater
Percolation
Movement of water down through the ground
Surafce storage
Lakes, ponds and puddles
Ground water storage
Water stored underground in bedrock