Hydrologic Cycle Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is precipitation?

Any form of water that falls from clouds (correct)

Evaporation of water from plant leaves

The change of a liquid to a gas

Flow of water from the land surface into the subsurface

What is evaporation?

The change of a liquid to a gas.

What is condensation?

Gas to liquid.

What is transpiration?

Evaporation of water from the leaves of a plant. Signup and view all the answers

What is the hydrologic cycle?

The cycle through which water in the hydrosphere moves. Signup and view all the answers

What is infiltration?

Flow of water from the land surface into the subsurface. Signup and view all the answers

What is runoff?

Excess water that runs down and does not soak into the soil. Signup and view all the answers

What is root uptake?

Plant roots pulling water out of the ground. Signup and view all the answers

What does the prefix 'hydro' mean?

Water. Signup and view all the answers

What is an aquitard?

Impermeable earth materials that cannot store water. Signup and view all the answers

What is a reservoir?

A lake that stores water for human use. Signup and view all the answers

What does permeable mean?

Materials that allow liquids to flow through. Signup and view all the answers

What does impermeable mean?

Materials that do not allow liquids to flow through. Signup and view all the answers

What is an aquifer?

Permeable earth materials that collect and store water. Signup and view all the answers

What is another definition of infiltration?

When water seeps or soaks through soil or sand. Signup and view all the answers

What is a contaminant?

Something that causes impurity or pollutes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the atmosphere?

A mixture of gases that surrounds a planet or moon. Signup and view all the answers

What is the sun?

A typical star that is a source of light and heat for plants. Signup and view all the answers

What is water vapor?

Water in the form of a gas. Signup and view all the answers

What is groundwater?

Water that fills the cracks and spaces in underground soil and rock layers. Signup and view all the answers

What are five uses of water?

Drinking Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Precipitation

Refers to water falling from clouds, encompassing forms such as hail, snow, sleet, and rain.
Occurs when clouds become heavy and the atmosphere cannot support the moisture.

Evaporation

The process where liquid water transforms into vapor due to the sun's heat.
A vital step in the hydrologic cycle, contributing to atmospheric moisture.

Condensation

The transformation of gas back into liquid as it cools, resulting in cloud formation.
Plays a critical role in the water cycle by facilitating precipitation.

Transpiration

Evaporation of water from plant leaves contributes to the water cycle.
Plants release purified water vapor, which can enter the atmosphere.

Hydrologic Cycle (Water Cycle)

Describes the continuous movement of water in the hydrosphere.
Involves evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and both surface and groundwater runoff and infiltration.

Infiltration (Seepage)

The process by which water flows from the land surface into the subsurface soil.
Essential for replenishing groundwater supplies as rainwater soaks into the ground.

Runoff

Occurs when excess water flows over the surface without being absorbed into soil.
This surplus water eventually makes its way to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Root Uptake

The mechanism through which plant roots absorb water from the soil.
Critical for plant health and growth, supporting photosynthesis and other biological functions.

Meaning of the Prefix "Hydro"

"Hydro" translates to "water," indicating its relation to various water processes and systems.

Aquitard

Consists of impermeable materials that do not allow water storage or movement.
Prevents the upward flow of water to aquifers and can impede groundwater recharge.

Reservoir

A storage area, usually a lake, created to hold water for human use.
Essential for providing drinking water, irrigation, and recreational activities.

Permeable

Describes materials that facilitate the flow of liquids through them.
Important for groundwater movement and the effectiveness of aquifers.

Impermeable

Refers to materials that do not permit the passage of liquids.
Affects water movement and storage in the hydrological context.

Aquifer

Comprises permeable materials capable of collecting and storing water.
Serves as crucial sources of groundwater for various uses.

Infiltration

Similar to seepage, it indicates the process of water soaking through soil or permeable materials.
Important for groundwater replenishment and ecological balance.

Contaminant

Any substance that introduces impurities or pollution into a medium.
Particularly significant in discussions about water quality and safety.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding a planet or moon, composed of various elements.
Crucial for sustaining life, weather patterns, and the hydrologic cycle.

Sun

A typical star that provides light and heat essential for supporting life on Earth.
Drives the processes of evaporation and photosynthesis.

Water Vapor

The gaseous state of water, essential for cloud formation and precipitation.
Plays a key role in atmospheric moisture and climate dynamics.

Groundwater

Water located underground, filling cracks and spaces in soil and rock layers.
A significant source of fresh water, used for drinking and irrigation.

Uses of Water

Vital for drinking, cleaning, livestock needs, energy generation, and industrial purposes.
Highlights the importance of water in daily life and socioeconomic activities.

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Description

Explore the key terms related to the Hydrologic Cycle, including precipitation, evaporation, and condensation. These flashcards will help you understand the processes that affect water in our environment systematically.