All Flashcards
Define hydrologic cycle.
The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.
Define evapotranspiration.
The process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil and other surfaces and by transpiration from plants.
Define evaporation.
The process by which liquid water changes into water vapor.
Define transpiration.
The process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through their leaves.
Define precipitation.
Any form of water that falls from the atmosphere and reaches the ground, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
Define surface runoff.
Water that flows over the land's surface and does not infiltrate into the ground.
Define percolation.
The process by which water filters through soil and rock into the groundwater.
Define plant uptake.
The process by which plants absorb water through their roots.
Define groundwater.
Water that is present beneath Earth's surface in soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations.
Define water diversion.
The process of transferring water from one area to another, often through canals, pipelines, or other engineered structures.
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.
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.