All Flashcards
What is the role of the water cycle in nutrient transport?
The water cycle acts as a delivery service, moving nutrients and other substances around the planet.
Explain the relationship between evapotranspiration and precipitation.
Evapotranspiration returns water to the atmosphere, which then falls back to Earth as precipitation.
Describe the connection between surface runoff and bodies of water.
Surface runoff flows into rivers, lakes, and oceans, replenishing these water bodies.
Explain how percolation contributes to groundwater recharge.
Percolation allows water to seep into the ground, replenishing groundwater aquifers.
What is the importance of plant uptake in the water cycle?
Plants absorb water for photosynthesis, playing a role in both the water cycle and the carbon cycle.
How does deforestation affect the water cycle?
Deforestation reduces transpiration, leading to increased runoff, flooding, and soil erosion.
How does climate change impact the water cycle?
Climate change alters precipitation patterns, increases evaporation rates, and can lead to water scarcity and contamination.
Explain how urbanization affects surface runoff.
Urbanization increases impervious surfaces, leading to increased surface runoff and decreased groundwater recharge.
Describe the impacts of water diversion on ecosystems.
Water diversion can harm wildlife, disrupt natural water cycles, and alter habitats.
What is the role of the water cycle in maintaining Earth's temperature?
Evaporation absorbs heat, and condensation releases heat, helping to regulate Earth's temperature.
Define hydrologic cycle.
The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.
What is evapotranspiration?
The combined processes of evaporation and transpiration, representing total water vapor entering the atmosphere.
Define evaporation.
The process where liquid water turns into water vapor due to heat.
What is transpiration?
The process where plants release water vapor through their leaves.
Define precipitation.
Water falling from the atmosphere in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
What is surface runoff?
Water flowing over the land's surface into bodies of water.
Define percolation.
The process of water being absorbed into the ground and becoming groundwater.
What is plant uptake?
The absorption of water by plants through their roots.
Define groundwater.
Water held underground in the soil or in pores and crevices in rock.
Cause: Deforestation. Effect?
Increased runoff, soil erosion, and flooding due to reduced transpiration and water uptake.
Cause: Climate change. Effect?
Altered precipitation patterns, increased evaporation rates, and more extreme weather events, impacting water availability.
Cause: Urbanization. Effect?
Increased runoff due to impermeable surfaces, leading to potential flooding and reduced groundwater recharge.
Cause: Agricultural irrigation. Effect?
Increased water demand, potentially leading to water scarcity and depletion of groundwater resources.
Cause: Dam construction. Effect?
Altered river flow, habitat disruption, and potential changes in water temperature and nutrient transport.
Cause: Increased air pollution. Effect?
Acid rain, which can acidify water bodies and harm aquatic life.
Cause: Overuse of fertilizers. Effect?
Eutrophication of water bodies, leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
Cause: Increased global temperatures. Effect?
Melting of glaciers and ice caps, contributing to sea-level rise and changes in freshwater availability.
Cause: Reduced forest cover. Effect?
Decreased carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change and further disruptions to the water cycle.
Cause: Increased water consumption. Effect?
Depletion of water resources, leading to water scarcity and potential conflicts over water rights.