WC 2.1.1- systems and mass balance

Question 1

describe the global hydrological cycle

Answer 1

It is a closed system that is made up of a series of processes
There are no external inputs or outputs because the volume of water is finite
But the water does change states

Question 2

explain the concept of mass balance

Answer 2

The mass balance of water at a global scale, is that the total amount of water is always conserved
so within the earth atmosphere system there is a fixed amount of water

Question 3

define the Cryosphere

Answer 3

the cryosphere is the parts of the earth that are frozen, where water is in solid form

Question 4

define fluxes

Answer 4

The rate of flow between stores

Question 5

define residence time

Answer 5

the average time a water molecule will spend in a store

Question 6

name the two non-renewable sources of water

Answer 6

1. cryosphere losses- frozen parts of land melting away
2. fossil water- ancient, underground water from former wet periods of time

Question 7

what does the water budget limit

Answer 7

it limits the amount of water that is available for human use

Question 8

name the 4 factors of resistance

Answer 8

1. human impacts
2. temperature
3. if the water is frozen
4. temperature change -seasons-depth-ice age-rock type

Question 9

water stores have different r_____ _____

Answer 9

resistance times

Question 10

name the 3 stores in the global water balance
name the 5 flows in the global balance

Answer 10

1.Atmosphere
2. Oceans
3. land

1. evaporation (ocean to atmosphere)
2. Precipitation (atmosphere to ocean)
3. precipitation (atmosphere to land)
4. Evapotranspiration (land to atmosphere)
5. runoff and ground water flow (land to atmosphere)

Question 11

which store has the most water storage

Answer 11

ocean has the most storage
then land
then atmosphere

Question 12

2.1.1 b- name the five factors affecting the distribution and size of the stores

Answer 12

five factors affecting the distribution and size of the stores are
1. geology
2. type of rainfall
3. temperature
4. permeability
5. basin type and storage