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Water And Carbon Cycles Flashcards

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1
Q

Definition of a model

A

Theoretical frameworks that let us predict things (based onlarge patterns) which helps us determine why and how things happen

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2
Q

What do models help us understand?

A

Large, and complex things in order to understand now they operate and allow us to see the “big picture”

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3
Q

Advantages of using a model

A

Allows lots of complex information to be condensed,
Can identify/present patterns and trends

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4
Q

Disadvantages of using a model

A

Oversimplication could lead to misinterpretation,
They’re just a theory

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5
Q

Definition of a system

A

An assemblage of interrelated parts that work together by the way of some driving force

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6
Q

Definitions of elements (in a system)

A

Things that make up the system

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7
Q

Definition of inputs (in a system)

A

A point where some thing is added to the system

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8
Q

Definition of flow/transfer (in a system)

A

A link between one store or component and another, al one which something moves

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9
Q

Definition of store/component (in a system)

A

A part of the system where something is held for a period of time

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10
Q

Definition of attributes (in a system)

A

The characteristics of the elements (eg. Hot and cold)

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11
Q

Definitions of outputs (in a system)

A

A point where something is removed from the system

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12
Q

Definition of a system boundary

A

The edge of the system; the interface (or line) between one system and another

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13
Q

Definitions of relationships (in a system)

A

Descriptions of how the various elements work together to carry out some sort of process

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14
Q

Inputs of the drainage basin system

A

Precipitation

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15
Q

Outputs of the drainage basin system

A

Transpiration,
Evaporation,
River run off

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16
Q

Flow in the drainage basin system

A

Stem flow,
Surface run off,
Infiltration,
Through flow,
Percolation,
Groundwater flow,
Channel flow

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17
Q

Stores in the drainage basin system

A

Interception,
Surface storage,
Soil water storage,
Groundwater storage,
Channel storage,
Vegetation storage

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18
Q

Definition of an open system

A

When there are transfers of matter from outside the system, transferred in and out

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19
Q

Definition of a closed system

A

When only energy is transferred into the system

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20
Q

Definition of dynamic equilibrium

A

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

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21
Q

Definition of positive feedback

A

Where the effects of an action are amplified or multiplied by subsequent or secondary “knock on” effects (inputs > outputs)

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22
Q

Definition of negative feedback

A

When the effects of an action are nullified by its subsequent “knock on” effects

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23
Q

4 Earth spheres

A

Atmosphere,
Hydrosphere,
Biosphere,
Lithosphere

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24
Q

Characteristics of the atmosphere

A

Contains all the gases that surround the Earth,
Protect all life from harmful UV rays,
Split into its own spheres

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25
Q

Characteristics of the hydrosphere

A

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

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26
Q

Characteristics of the biosphere

A

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

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27
Q

Characteristics of the lithosphere

A

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

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28
Q

How does latent heat of water cause a cooling effect?

A

During evaporation, the surroundings are cooled down because energy is taken in from the surroundings

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29
Q

How does the latent heat of water create a heating effect?

A

During condensation, the surroundings are warmed up because energy is taken in from the surroundings

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30
Q

Definition of atmospheric water

A

Water found in the atmosphere; mainly water vapour and some liquid water (cloud and rain droplets) and ice crystals

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31
Q

Definition of cryospheric water

A

The water locked up on the Earth’s surface as ice

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32
Q

Definition of oceanic water

A

The water contained in the Earth oceans and seas but not including such inland seas such as the caspian sea

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33
Q

Definition of terrestrial water

A

This consists of groundwater, soil, moisture, lakes, wetlands and rivers

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34
Q

Characteristics of oceanic water

A

Only 5% explored,
72% of the Earth’s surface,
Average depth of 3682 km

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35
Q

Characteristics of terrestrial water

A

Includes, groundwater, biological, and soil water
Levels of biological water largely depends on the ecosystem

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36
Q

Characteristics of cryospheric water

A

Includes, sea ice, sea shelf, ice sheet, ice cap, permafrost, and glaciers
Sea ice does not change sea levels when it melts

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37
Q

Characteristics of atmospheric water

A

12900 km2,
0.04% of worlds fresh water,
Amount of water that the atmosphere can hold doubles with 10°C rise

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38
Q

Inputs of a water cycle

A

Precipitation

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39
Q

Outputs of the water cycle

A

Transpiration, evaporation, river run off

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40
Q

Flows in the water cycle

A

Stem flow, surface run off, infiltration, throughflow, percolation, groundwater flow, channel flow

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41
Q

Stores in the water cycle

A

Interception, surface storage, soil water storage, vegetation storage, groundwater storage, channel storage

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42
Q

Definition of drainage basin

A

The area of land surrounding a river, from which the river receives water and subsequently drains this water

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43
Q

Definition of precipitation

A

Rain, snow, hail and sleet

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44
Q

Definition of infiltration

A

When water enters the soil

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45
Q

Definition of interception

A

When water is caught by trees and plants

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46
Q

Definition of stem flow

A

Water lands on plants and runs down their stems

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47
Q

Definition of overland flow

A

Any where water flows over the land surface

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48
Q

Definition of throughflow

A

Movement of water down through the soil

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49
Q

Definition of transpiration

A

When water vapour comes out of leaves

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50
Q

Definition of evapotranspiration

A

Water rises as vapour from the ground and released from leaves

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51
Q

Definition of ground water

A

Water stored underground

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52
Q

Definition of soil water

A

Water held between the soil particles

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53
Q

Definition of groundwater flow

A

When water flows through the ground/rock

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54
Q

Definition of percolation

A

When water enters the permeable rock (from the soil)

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55
Q

Definition of surface storage

A

Lakes, ponds and puddles

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56
Q

Definition of ground water storage

A

Water stored underground in the bedrock

57
Q

Definition of water balance

A

Difference between inputs and outputs of the drainage basin

58
Q

Water balance equation

A

Precipitation = runoff + evapotranspiration + change of state

59
Q

Definition of positive water balance

A

If precipitation is greater than the runoff and evapotranspiration the amount of water in the system increases

60
Q

Definition of negative water balance

A

If precipitation is less than the runoff and evapotranspiration the amount of water in the system decreases

61
Q

How is the level of runoff of a river measured?

A

Measuring the river discharge

62
Q

River discharge equation

A

Discharge (amount of water passing you per second):
Cross section of area of water x speed = cumecs

63
Q

Impacts on river discharge level

A

Volume or speed of water

64
Q

What is lag time?

A

The amount of time the water takes to make its way into the drainage basin, it doesn’t just go straight into the river

65
Q

Impacts on lag time

A

Relief of the land, vegetation, permeability of rock

66
Q

Characteristics of a flashy hydrograph

A

Steep limbs, high peak discharge, and short lag time

67
Q

Characteristics of a subdued hydrography

A

Gently inclined limbs, a low peak discharge, and a long lag time

68
Q

Physical factors affecting the shape of a storm hydrograph

A

Drainage basin shape,
Slope angles,
Drainage density,
Prior rainfall,
Rock type,
Vegetation cover,
Amount/intensity of precipitation,
Size of drainage basin

69
Q

Human factors affecting the shape of a storm hydrograph

A

Deforestation,
Afforestation,
Agriculture,
Growth of urban areas,
Soft engineering/ flood management,
Water abstraction

70
Q

CASE STUDY : River Eden
Main causes

A

Extremely heavy rainfall, over 300 mm,
Climate change made the flooding event 40% more likely,
Area of low pressure and warm Caribbean air

71
Q

CASE STUDY : River Eden
Characteristics of the drainage basin

A

80 miles long,
Extremely large catchment size,
72.9% grass land and 65.2%moderately permeable rock,
Mainly natural catchment

72
Q

CASE STUDY : River Eden
Impacts

A

5200 houses flooded,
43000 houses experienced power cuts,
131 bridges needed inspection/repairs,
40 schools closed,
NHS only using essential services

73
Q

CASE STUDY : River Eden
Responses

A

More than 100 flood warnings and 70 flood alerts,
200 military personnel,
50 high volume pumps provided,
£50 million repair and renew scheme

74
Q

Characteristics of the carbon cycle

A

Closed system made of biological carbon (in all life forms), and geological carbon (found in sedimentary rocks)

75
Q

Characteristics of carbon

A

Most chemically versatile element (forms more compounds than any other elements)
needed by all life forms to survive

76
Q

Calcium carbonate

A

CaCO3
Solid compound found in rocks, oceans and skeletons

77
Q

Hydrocarbons

A

Solid liquid or gas found in sedimentary rocks

78
Q

Biological molecules

A

Produced in all living things (carbon based)
Eg, fats, oils and DNA

79
Q

Methane

A

A gas found in the atmosphere, oceans, soils and sedimentary bedrock

80
Q

Carbon dioxide

A

A gas found in the atmosphere, soils and oceans

81
Q

6 main carbon stores

A

Lithosphere,
Pedosphere,
Hydrosphere,
Cryosphere,
Atmosphere,
Biosphere

82
Q

Definition of carbon sink

A

A store that absorbs more than it releases

83
Q

Definition of carbon source

A

A store that releases more than it absorbs

84
Q

Definition of anthropogenic CO2

A

Carbon dioxide generated by human activity

85
Q

Definition of carbon transfer

A

Process that transfers carbon between the stores

86
Q

Definition of GtC

A

A gigatonne, which is used to measure the amount of carbon in stores

87
Q

Definition of carbon sequestration

A

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

88
Q

Definition of greenhouse gases

A

Any gaseous compound in the atmosphere that is capable of absorbing infared radiation

89
Q

How much carbon does the lithosphere store? And where?

A

99.9% of all carbon
In sedimentary rocks, organic carbon, hydrocarbons and marine sediments

90
Q

How much carbon does the hydrosphere store? And where?

A

0.0076% of all carbon
In carbonate ions, bicarbonate ions, and dissolved CO2

91
Q

How much carbon does the pedosphere store? And where?

A

0.0031% of all carbon
In soil organisms and plant remains

92
Q

How much carbon does the cryosphere store? And where?

A

0.0018% of all carbon
In frozen mosses and methyl clathrates

93
Q

How much carbon does the atmosphere store? And where?

A

0.0015% of all carbon
In gaseous carbon

94
Q

How much carbon does the biosphere store? And where?

A

0.0012% of all carbon
In living plants and animals

95
Q

Definition of flux

A

Flux are measurement of the rate of flow of material between stores

96
Q

What % of anthropogenic carbon dioxide comes from burning fossil fuels?

A

90%, the remaining 10% is from land use change

97
Q

Why do volcanic eruptions contribute very little to the natural sources of CO2?

A

Sulfur dioxide forms sulfuric acid in the atmosphere which reflects radiation from the sun, providing a cooling effect

98
Q

What % of CO2 do volcanic eruptions contribute compared to human activity?

A

Less than 1%

99
Q

Importance of ice cores in carbon dioxide research

A

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)

100
Q

How does cement production contribute to global CO2 levels?

A

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

101
Q

How does farming contribute to increasing carbon dioxide levels?

A

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

102
Q

How does land use change contribute to increasing carbon dioxide levels?

A

30% of all carbon dioxide emissions are a result of land use change,
Associated largely with deforestation

103
Q

How does deforestation contribute to increasing carbon dioxide levels?

A

Trees release CO2 when chopped down,
13 million hectares are cut down each year,
3% of forest has been removed between 1995 and 2005

104
Q

How does urban growth contribute to increasing carbon dioxide levels?

A

Over 50% of the Earth live in urban areas,
Urban areas grow by 1.3 millionpeople per week

105
Q

Impacts of the changing carbon budget on the land

A

Formation/ development of soils,
Plant growth,
Melting of the permafrost,
Intensive agriculture,
Wildfires,
Afforestation of abandoned farmland

106
Q

Impact of the changing carbon budget on the ocean

A

Formation of calcium carbonate,
Phytoplankton,
Acidification,
Ocean warming,
Melting sea ice,
Ocean salinity,
Rising sea levels

107
Q

Slow carbon cycle

A

Returns carbon to the atmosphere by volcanoes,
This cycle is self-regulating; the volcano leads to acid rain which dissolves rocks containing carbon

108
Q

Fast carbon cycle

A

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

109
Q

Definition of feedback

A

A return or knock on effect that usually leads to a change in the effectiveness of one or more processes in a cycle

110
Q

Definition of positive feedback

A

Enhances and leads to a continuation of the outcome

111
Q

Definition of negative feedback

A

Reduces the outcome leading to stability and equilibrium being restored

112
Q

The role of carbon and water

A

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

113
Q

Influence of water and carbon in the atmosphere

A

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

114
Q

What are aerosols?

A

Aerosols are chemical particles which reside in the atmosphere and affect climate change

115
Q

Impact of climate change on the water and carbon cycles

A

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

116
Q

Lag time of carbon in the atmosphere

A

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

117
Q

Feedback loop: sea ice melting

A

Arctic sea ice is shrinking,
Exposed water absorbs more radiation,
Water warms and melts more ice

118
Q

Feedback loop: marine phytoplankton

A

Warmer temperatures,
More phytoplankton,
More clouds formed by phytoplankton producing energy,
Global cooling

119
Q

Feedback loop: permafrost melting

A

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

120
Q

Key ways humans have contributed to climate change

A

Burning fossil fuels,
Cutting down forests,
Farming lives stock,
Nitrogen containing fertilisers,
Fluorinated gases

121
Q

Definition of climate change mitigation

A

Efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of GHG

122
Q

Examples of climate change mitigation techniques

A

Using newer technologies,
Using renewable energy sources,
Making older equipment more efficient,
Changing management strategies,
Changing consumer behaviour

123
Q

What is CSS?

A

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

124
Q

Positive of CSS

A

Could reduce global emissions by 19%

125
Q

Negatives of CSS

A

Costly,
Unsure of future implications,
Relies on reservoir space

126
Q

What is modifying photosynthesis?

A

Planting more trees to absorb carbon dioxide and release moisture in order to moderate the climate

127
Q

Positives of plantation forests

A

7% of the forests on Earth are plantation forests,
More effective at absorbing carbon dioxide

128
Q

Negative of plantation forests

A

Not enough space

129
Q

How does modifying grasslands reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

A

Offers the GHG mitigation of 810 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, which can be sequestrated in the soil

130
Q

How can grasslands be improved to absorb more carbon dioxide?

A

Avoid overstocking grazing animals,
Adding more fertiliser

131
Q

Why is revegetation good for climate change mitigation?

A

Improved pasture and legumes can increase productivity, resulting in more plant litter and underground biomass

132
Q

How can croplands be improved for climate change mitigation?

A

No ploughing to avoid accelerated decomposition,
Use animal manure instead of fertilisers to return biomass

133
Q

How can forests be improved for climate change mitigation?

A

Preserve current forests,
Increase tree density in degrading forests

134
Q

How can aviation movement management be improved for climate change mitigation?

A

Avoid circling whilst in the air,
Adopt fuel efficient routes instead of speed efficient,
Tow the aircraft whilst on the ground

135
Q

How can aviation flight management be improved for climate change mitigation?

A

Cruise at lower speeds,
Encourage last minute deals to get 100% occupancy,
Match flight times to planes

136
Q

How can aviation design technology be improved for climate change mitigation?

A

Improve aerodynamics,
Maximise number of seats,
Reduce aircraft weight,
Increase use of biofuels,
Carbon capture in engines

137
Q

What were the outcomes of Kyoto (1997)?

A

Set a target for developing countries to reduce their GHG,
Established concept of trading carbon

138
Q

What were the outcomes of Paris agreement (2015)?

A

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

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