Water Process Flashcards
Define precipitation
The transfer of water from the atmosphere to the ground. It can take the form of rainfall, snow, sleet.
Define evaporation.
The transfer of water from a liquid state to a gaseous state (water vapour). Occurs mostly over the oceans.
Define condensation
The transfer of water from a gaseous state into a liquid state. For example the formation of clouds.
Define sublimation.
Transfer from a SOLID state (ice) into a GASEOUS state (water vapour) and vice versa.
Define interception
Water intercepted and stored on leaves of plants.
Define overland flow.
The transfer of water over the land surface.
Define infiltration.
The transfer of water from the ground surface into soil where is may percolate into underlying rocks.
Define throughflow.
Water flowing through soil towards the river channel.
Define groundwater flow.
The slow transfer of water through rocks.
What does the rate of evaporation depend on?
- the amount of solar energy
- the availability of water
- the humidity of the air
- the temperature of the air
Why does evaporation cool its surroundings?
Because it uses energy in the form of latent heat
Where do water molecules condense onto?
Tiny particles (smoke, salt, dust, etc) or surfaces (leaves, grass, stems, windows) that are below des point temperature.
Define percolation.
Water draining through the surface areas of soil into deeper layers of rock / the water table.
