Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which component of the global hydrologic cycle contains the largest percentage of Earth's water?
Which component of the global hydrologic cycle contains the largest percentage of Earth's water?
- Oceans (correct)
- Ice caps and glaciers
- Rivers and lakes
- Groundwater
Which process involves the phase transition of water directly from a solid to a gas?
Which process involves the phase transition of water directly from a solid to a gas?
- Evapotranspiration
- Evaporation
- Condensation
- Sublimation (correct)
What term describes the combined processes of evaporation and plant transpiration that move water from the land surface to the atmosphere?
What term describes the combined processes of evaporation and plant transpiration that move water from the land surface to the atmosphere?
- Infiltration
- Advection
- Percolation
- Evapotranspiration (correct)
Which of the following best defines 'advection' in the context of the hydrologic cycle?
Which of the following best defines 'advection' in the context of the hydrologic cycle?
If a region experiences a period where the rate of water input is significantly less than the rate of water output, what condition is likely to occur?
If a region experiences a period where the rate of water input is significantly less than the rate of water output, what condition is likely to occur?
What is the primary source of energy that drives the hydrologic cycle?
What is the primary source of energy that drives the hydrologic cycle?
What does 'steady state' imply in the context of a water reservoir, regarding water balance?
What does 'steady state' imply in the context of a water reservoir, regarding water balance?
Which component connects the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere in the water cycle?
Which component connects the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere in the water cycle?
What is the approximate average residence time of water in the atmosphere?
What is the approximate average residence time of water in the atmosphere?
If the input of water into a specific area is significantly higher than the output, what is the likely consequence?
If the input of water into a specific area is significantly higher than the output, what is the likely consequence?
What does residence time measure in the context of water reservoirs?
What does residence time measure in the context of water reservoirs?
Which process describes water moving downward through the soil and into groundwater?
Which process describes water moving downward through the soil and into groundwater?
Why is understanding the water balance of an area important for predicting floods?
Why is understanding the water balance of an area important for predicting floods?
Which of the following reservoirs has the longest water residence time?
Which of the following reservoirs has the longest water residence time?
What is the effect on a reservoir's size when inputs are less than outputs?
What is the effect on a reservoir's size when inputs are less than outputs?
Which statement accurately describes the distribution of Earth’s water resources?
Which statement accurately describes the distribution of Earth’s water resources?
If a large area of forest is removed, how will it most likely affect the local hydrologic cycle?
If a large area of forest is removed, how will it most likely affect the local hydrologic cycle?
A region's water table has been steadily declining over several years. Which long-term effect is most probable?
A region's water table has been steadily declining over several years. Which long-term effect is most probable?
Which human activity would have the most direct impact on the rate of infiltration in an area?
Which human activity would have the most direct impact on the rate of infiltration in an area?
Why is the residence time of water in deep aquifers significantly longer than in lakes or rivers?
Why is the residence time of water in deep aquifers significantly longer than in lakes or rivers?
How might climate change-induced alterations in global temperature affect the hydrologic cycle?
How might climate change-induced alterations in global temperature affect the hydrologic cycle?
Which of the following scenarios would most likely lead to an increased risk of flooding in a coastal area?
Which of the following scenarios would most likely lead to an increased risk of flooding in a coastal area?
A city’s water supply primarily comes from a nearby lake. What action might decrease the lake's residence time?
A city’s water supply primarily comes from a nearby lake. What action might decrease the lake's residence time?
How does the process of condensation directly contribute to precipitation?
How does the process of condensation directly contribute to precipitation?
Which of these actions would be most effective in increasing the residence time of groundwater in a local aquifer?
Which of these actions would be most effective in increasing the residence time of groundwater in a local aquifer?
Flashcards
Hydrologic Cycle
Hydrologic Cycle
The continuous movement of water between the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere.
Evaporation
Evaporation
Water turning into vapor and rising from water bodies.
Evapotranspiration
Evapotranspiration
The combined processes of water moving from land to the atmosphere via plants, groundwater, and water bodies.
Sublimation
Sublimation
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Condensation
Condensation
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Advection
Advection
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Precipitation
Precipitation
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Flow (Runoff)
Flow (Runoff)
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Infiltration/Percolation
Infiltration/Percolation
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Water Balance
Water Balance
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Residence Time
Residence Time
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Steady State
Steady State
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Flood
Flood
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Drought
Drought
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Study Notes
- The hydrologic cycle involves the distribution of water on Earth.
- Oceans hold 97.2% of the Earth's water.
- Ice caps and glaciers contain 2.1% of the Earth's water.
- Groundwater accounts for 0.61% of the Earth's water.
- Rivers and lakes hold 0.01% of the Earth's water.
- Soil water makes up 0.005% of the Earth's water.
- The atmosphere contains 0.001% of the Earth's water.
- Flooding has significantly impacted a third of the global population over 28 years, with over 2000 events recorded.
Water Transport Mechanisms
- Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor.
- Evapotranspiration is the combined process of water moving from land and water surfaces to the atmosphere.
- Sublimation is the direct conversion of a solid (ice) to vapor.
- Condensation is the formation of water droplets in the atmosphere.
- Advection refers to the horizontal movement of water masses in the atmosphere.
- Precipitation is when water falls back to the earth as rain or snow.
- Flow is the movement of water towards the ocean after it reaches the surface.
- Infiltration/Percolation is when water moves through the ground to lower elevations.
- The hydrologic cycle involves water movement between the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere.
- The sun is the main energy source driving atmospheric processes via temperature regulation.
- Analyzing water inputs and outputs (like evaporation and runoff) helps determine flood probability in specific areas.
Water Balance
- Water balance considers inputs and outputs of water over time.
- Residence time measures the average time a water molecule spends in a reservoir.
- Residence time is calculated as volume divided by flux per time.
- Steady state is when inputs equal outputs, indicating no change in reservoir size.
- Floods occur when input exceeds output.
- Droughts occur when input is less than output.
Water Residence Times
- Water resides in the atmosphere for only a few days.
- Water residence time in lakes is about 10 years.
- Groundwater in deep aquifers can stay for hundreds to thousands of years.
- Seawater has a long residence time in the ocean.
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