Water And Carbon Cycles Flashcards
Definition of a model
Theoretical frameworks that let us predict things (based onlarge patterns) which helps us determine why and how things happen
What do models help us understand?
Large, and complex things in order to understand now they operate and allow us to see the “big picture”
Advantages of using a model
Allows lots of complex information to be condensed,
Can identify/present patterns and trends
Disadvantages of using a model
Oversimplication could lead to misinterpretation,
They’re just a theory
Definition of a system
An assemblage of interrelated parts that work together by the way of some driving force
Definitions of elements (in a system)
Things that make up the system
Definition of inputs (in a system)
A point where some thing is added to the system
Definition of flow/transfer (in a system)
A link between one store or component and another, al one which something moves
Definition of store/component (in a system)
A part of the system where something is held for a period of time
Definition of attributes (in a system)
The characteristics of the elements (eg. Hot and cold)
Definitions of outputs (in a system)
A point where something is removed from the system
Definition of a system boundary
The edge of the system; the interface (or line) between one system and another
Definitions of relationships (in a system)
Descriptions of how the various elements work together to carry out some sort of process
Inputs of the drainage basin system
Precipitation
Outputs of the drainage basin system
Transpiration,
Evaporation,
River run off
Flow in the drainage basin system
Stem flow,
Surface run off,
Infiltration,
Through flow,
Percolation,
Groundwater flow,
Channel flow
Stores in the drainage basin system
Interception,
Surface storage,
Soil water storage,
Groundwater storage,
Channel storage,
Vegetation storage
Definition of an open system
When there are transfers of matter from outside the system, transferred in and out
Definition of a closed system
When only energy is transferred into the system
Definition of dynamic equilibrium
When the in puts and outputs are equal, the matter will pass through the system and the amounts of matter in the stores will remain the same
Definition of positive feedback
Where the effects of an action are amplified or multiplied by subsequent or secondary “knock on” effects (inputs > outputs)
Definition of negative feedback
When the effects of an action are nullified by its subsequent “knock on” effects
4 Earth spheres
Atmosphere,
Hydrosphere,
Biosphere,
Lithosphere
Characteristics of the atmosphere
Contains all the gases that surround the Earth,
Protect all life from harmful UV rays,
Split into its own spheres
Characteristics of the hydrosphere
Contains all of the water found in and around our planet,
The frozen part of the hydrosphere is the cryosphere,
Water moves through the hydrosphere in a cycle
Characteristics of the biosphere
Contains all of the life in and around our planet,
Life exists on the ground, in the air, and in the water,
All life exists between 500m below sea level and 6 km above sea level
Characteristics of the lithosphere
Contains all of the solid rock; most rigid of the Earths layers,
Outermost layer of the mantle, and the crust,
Oceanic lithosphere is slightly denser,
Continental lithosphere is much thicker
How does latent heat of water cause a cooling effect?
During evaporation, the surroundings are cooled down because energy is taken in from the surroundings
How does the latent heat of water create a heating effect?
During condensation, the surroundings are warmed up because energy is taken in from the surroundings
Definition of atmospheric water
Water found in the atmosphere; mainly water vapour and some liquid water (cloud and rain droplets) and ice crystals
Definition of cryospheric water
The water locked up on the Earth’s surface as ice
Definition of oceanic water
The water contained in the Earth oceans and seas but not including such inland seas such as the caspian sea
Definition of terrestrial water
This consists of groundwater, soil, moisture, lakes, wetlands and rivers
Characteristics of oceanic water
Only 5% explored,
72% of the Earth’s surface,
Average depth of 3682 km
Characteristics of terrestrial water
Includes, groundwater, biological, and soil water
Levels of biological water largely depends on the ecosystem
Characteristics of cryospheric water
Includes, sea ice, sea shelf, ice sheet, ice cap, permafrost, and glaciers
Sea ice does not change sea levels when it melts
Characteristics of atmospheric water
12900 km2,
0.04% of worlds fresh water,
Amount of water that the atmosphere can hold doubles with 10°C rise
Inputs of a water cycle
Precipitation
Outputs of the water cycle
Transpiration, evaporation, river run off
Flows in the water cycle
Stem flow, surface run off, infiltration, throughflow, percolation, groundwater flow, channel flow
Stores in the water cycle
Interception, surface storage, soil water storage, vegetation storage, groundwater storage, channel storage
Definition of drainage basin
The area of land surrounding a river, from which the river receives water and subsequently drains this water
Definition of precipitation
Rain, snow, hail and sleet
Definition of infiltration
When water enters the soil
Definition of interception
When water is caught by trees and plants
Definition of stem flow
Water lands on plants and runs down their stems
Definition of overland flow
Any where water flows over the land surface
Definition of throughflow
Movement of water down through the soil
Definition of transpiration
When water vapour comes out of leaves
Definition of evapotranspiration
Water rises as vapour from the ground and released from leaves
Definition of ground water
Water stored underground
Definition of soil water
Water held between the soil particles
Definition of groundwater flow
When water flows through the ground/rock
Definition of percolation
When water enters the permeable rock (from the soil)
Definition of surface storage
Lakes, ponds and puddles
Definition of ground water storage
Water stored underground in the bedrock
Definition of water balance
Difference between inputs and outputs of the drainage basin
Water balance equation
Precipitation = runoff + evapotranspiration + change of state
Definition of positive water balance
If precipitation is greater than the runoff and evapotranspiration the amount of water in the system increases
Definition of negative water balance
If precipitation is less than the runoff and evapotranspiration the amount of water in the system decreases
How is the level of runoff of a river measured?
Measuring the river discharge
River discharge equation
Discharge (amount of water passing you per second):
Cross section of area of water x speed = cumecs
Impacts on river discharge level
Volume or speed of water
What is lag time?
The amount of time the water takes to make its way into the drainage basin, it doesn’t just go straight into the river
Impacts on lag time
Relief of the land, vegetation, permeability of rock
Characteristics of a flashy hydrograph
Steep limbs, high peak discharge, and short lag time
Characteristics of a subdued hydrography
Gently inclined limbs, a low peak discharge, and a long lag time
Physical factors affecting the shape of a storm hydrograph
Drainage basin shape,
Slope angles,
Drainage density,
Prior rainfall,
Rock type,
Vegetation cover,
Amount/intensity of precipitation,
Size of drainage basin
Human factors affecting the shape of a storm hydrograph
Deforestation,
Afforestation,
Agriculture,
Growth of urban areas,
Soft engineering/ flood management,
Water abstraction
CASE STUDY : River Eden
Main causes
Extremely heavy rainfall, over 300 mm,
Climate change made the flooding event 40% more likely,
Area of low pressure and warm Caribbean air
CASE STUDY : River Eden
Characteristics of the drainage basin
80 miles long,
Extremely large catchment size,
72.9% grass land and 65.2%moderately permeable rock,
Mainly natural catchment
CASE STUDY : River Eden
Impacts
5200 houses flooded,
43000 houses experienced power cuts,
131 bridges needed inspection/repairs,
40 schools closed,
NHS only using essential services
CASE STUDY : River Eden
Responses
More than 100 flood warnings and 70 flood alerts,
200 military personnel,
50 high volume pumps provided,
£50 million repair and renew scheme
Characteristics of the carbon cycle
Closed system made of biological carbon (in all life forms), and geological carbon (found in sedimentary rocks)
Characteristics of carbon
Most chemically versatile element (forms more compounds than any other elements)
needed by all life forms to survive
Calcium carbonate
CaCO3
Solid compound found in rocks, oceans and skeletons
Hydrocarbons
Solid liquid or gas found in sedimentary rocks
Biological molecules
Produced in all living things (carbon based)
Eg, fats, oils and DNA
Methane
A gas found in the atmosphere, oceans, soils and sedimentary bedrock
Carbon dioxide
A gas found in the atmosphere, soils and oceans
6 main carbon stores
Lithosphere,
Pedosphere,
Hydrosphere,
Cryosphere,
Atmosphere,
Biosphere
Definition of carbon sink
A store that absorbs more than it releases
Definition of carbon source
A store that releases more than it absorbs
Definition of anthropogenic CO2
Carbon dioxide generated by human activity
Definition of carbon transfer
Process that transfers carbon between the stores
Definition of GtC
A gigatonne, which is used to measure the amount of carbon in stores
Definition of carbon sequestration
The capture of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or capturing anthropogenic carbon dioxide from large scale stationary sources before it is released to the atmosphere
Definition of greenhouse gases
Any gaseous compound in the atmosphere that is capable of absorbing infared radiation
How much carbon does the lithosphere store? And where?
99.9% of all carbon
In sedimentary rocks, organic carbon, hydrocarbons and marine sediments
How much carbon does the hydrosphere store? And where?
0.0076% of all carbon
In carbonate ions, bicarbonate ions, and dissolved CO2
How much carbon does the pedosphere store? And where?
0.0031% of all carbon
In soil organisms and plant remains
How much carbon does the cryosphere store? And where?
0.0018% of all carbon
In frozen mosses and methyl clathrates
How much carbon does the atmosphere store? And where?
0.0015% of all carbon
In gaseous carbon
How much carbon does the biosphere store? And where?
0.0012% of all carbon
In living plants and animals
Definition of flux
Flux are measurement of the rate of flow of material between stores
What % of anthropogenic carbon dioxide comes from burning fossil fuels?
90%, the remaining 10% is from land use change
Why do volcanic eruptions contribute very little to the natural sources of CO2?
Sulfur dioxide forms sulfuric acid in the atmosphere which reflects radiation from the sun, providing a cooling effect
What % of CO2 do volcanic eruptions contribute compared to human activity?
Less than 1%
Importance of ice cores in carbon dioxide research
Ice cores from the Antarctic show evidence that carbon dioxide levels have fluctuated over time, but the current ppm is an anomalous increase (it is extremely large)
How does cement production contribute to global CO2 levels?
Produces 5% of all human global emissions,
Heating calcium and carbon contributes to 50% of the carbon released from producing cement,
For every 1000 kg of cement produced, 900 kg of CO2 is released
How does farming contribute to increasing carbon dioxide levels?
39% of all agricultural carbon comes from methane from cows,
10% of all agricultural carbon comes from growing rice,
Ploughing soil allows air to mix and carbon dioxide to be released
How does land use change contribute to increasing carbon dioxide levels?
30% of all carbon dioxide emissions are a result of land use change,
Associated largely with deforestation
How does deforestation contribute to increasing carbon dioxide levels?
Trees release CO2 when chopped down,
13 million hectares are cut down each year,
3% of forest has been removed between 1995 and 2005
How does urban growth contribute to increasing carbon dioxide levels?
Over 50% of the Earth live in urban areas,
Urban areas grow by 1.3 millionpeople per week
Impacts of the changing carbon budget on the land
Formation/ development of soils,
Plant growth,
Melting of the permafrost,
Intensive agriculture,
Wildfires,
Afforestation of abandoned farmland
Impact of the changing carbon budget on the ocean
Formation of calcium carbonate,
Phytoplankton,
Acidification,
Ocean warming,
Melting sea ice,
Ocean salinity,
Rising sea levels
Slow carbon cycle
Returns carbon to the atmosphere by volcanoes,
This cycle is self-regulating; the volcano leads to acid rain which dissolves rocks containing carbon
Fast carbon cycle
Plants and phytoplankton are the main components; through photosynthesis and respiration they return carbon to the atmosphere
The fast carbon cycle is associated with the growing season, global carbon dioxide concentration decreases during the spring
Definition of feedback
A return or knock on effect that usually leads to a change in the effectiveness of one or more processes in a cycle
Definition of positive feedback
Enhances and leads to a continuation of the outcome
Definition of negative feedback
Reduces the outcome leading to stability and equilibrium being restored
The role of carbon and water
Vital for stalling all life,
Carbon is stored of glucose and assists cellular respiration,
The carbon content of trees is 50%,
Carbon is passed from plants to animals in the food chain,
Carbon is returned to the atmosphere by decomposition
Influence of water and carbon in the atmosphere
It is a store of carbon and water,
Carbon is an important GHG which absorbs solar radiation; providing warmth for all life,
Changes in the size of the stores have large implications on animals and plants
What are aerosols?
Aerosols are chemical particles which reside in the atmosphere and affect climate change
Impact of climate change on the water and carbon cycles
Carbon dioxide causes 20% of the Earth’s greenhouse effect,
Water vapour causes 50% of the Earth’s greenhouse effect,
CO2 warms the atmosphere and results in more evaporation
Lag time of carbon in the atmosphere
CO2 already in the atmosphere will result in a 0.6°C temperature rise,
Increasing carbon dioxide levels will be the cause and effect of more warming
Feedback loop: sea ice melting
Arctic sea ice is shrinking,
Exposed water absorbs more radiation,
Water warms and melts more ice
Feedback loop: marine phytoplankton
Warmer temperatures,
More phytoplankton,
More clouds formed by phytoplankton producing energy,
Global cooling
Feedback loop: permafrost melting
High temperatures melt the permafrost,
Organic matter in the permafrost is released,
Organic matteris decomposed by bacteria,
Methane and carbon dioxide are released as waste products
Key ways humans have contributed to climate change
Burning fossil fuels,
Cutting down forests,
Farming lives stock,
Nitrogen containing fertilisers,
Fluorinated gases
Definition of climate change mitigation
Efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of GHG
Examples of climate change mitigation techniques
Using newer technologies,
Using renewable energy sources,
Making older equipment more efficient,
Changing management strategies,
Changing consumer behaviour
What is CSS?
Carbon capture storage,
Uses technology to capture and store carbon dioxide from coal fire power stations and industry,
Carbon dioxide gas is compressed to be injected as a liquid in a reservoir
Positive of CSS
Could reduce global emissions by 19%
Negatives of CSS
Costly,
Unsure of future implications,
Relies on reservoir space
What is modifying photosynthesis?
Planting more trees to absorb carbon dioxide and release moisture in order to moderate the climate
Positives of plantation forests
7% of the forests on Earth are plantation forests,
More effective at absorbing carbon dioxide
Negative of plantation forests
Not enough space
How does modifying grasslands reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
Offers the GHG mitigation of 810 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, which can be sequestrated in the soil
How can grasslands be improved to absorb more carbon dioxide?
Avoid overstocking grazing animals,
Adding more fertiliser
Why is revegetation good for climate change mitigation?
Improved pasture and legumes can increase productivity, resulting in more plant litter and underground biomass
How can croplands be improved for climate change mitigation?
No ploughing to avoid accelerated decomposition,
Use animal manure instead of fertilisers to return biomass
How can forests be improved for climate change mitigation?
Preserve current forests,
Increase tree density in degrading forests
How can aviation movement management be improved for climate change mitigation?
Avoid circling whilst in the air,
Adopt fuel efficient routes instead of speed efficient,
Tow the aircraft whilst on the ground
How can aviation flight management be improved for climate change mitigation?
Cruise at lower speeds,
Encourage last minute deals to get 100% occupancy,
Match flight times to planes
How can aviation design technology be improved for climate change mitigation?
Improve aerodynamics,
Maximise number of seats,
Reduce aircraft weight,
Increase use of biofuels,
Carbon capture in engines
What were the outcomes of Kyoto (1997)?
Set a target for developing countries to reduce their GHG,
Established concept of trading carbon
What were the outcomes of Paris agreement (2015)?
First legally binding climate deal (with 195 countries involved)
Aim to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C,
Developed countries support initiatives; developing countries aims to reduce emissions
